Obituary of Melissa F. Williams

Melissa Ann Franklin was born August 5, 1950 to Willie Franklin and Geraldine Mansfield of Melville, Louisiana. Melissa attended and graduated from Melville High School in 1970. In 1975 she moved to Houston, TX, where she married Lionel Williams, Sr. To this matrimony two children were born, Lionel Williams Jr., and Malinda Williams. Both parents, her oldest sister Bessie Mae White, and her loving husband Lionel Williams Sr. preceded her in death. She attended Ebenezer Methodist Church, where she served under the leadership of Pastor Rhenel Johnson. There she worked closely with the Prison Outreach Program. She later joined her husband Lionel at Greater St. Matthew Church, under the leadership of Rev. Gusta Booker. Melissa departed this life on the morning of November 12, 2011. Memories of Melissa will be cherished by her son, Lionel Williams Jr.; her daughter, Malinda Williams; Her loving Step-Mother Audrey Franklin; six sisters: Mable Williams, Thelma (Chester) Williams, Barbara (Lionell) Smith, Patsy-Ann Smith, Mary (Edward) Warner, and Lillian Maria Franklin; two brothers: Linden (LaWendlynn) Franklin, and Willie (Marsha) Franklin Jr.. One Aunt, Martha Bailey; One Uncle, John (Rosie) Franklin, Sr.; one great-Aunt, LuBertha Moore; Two Sisters-in-Law: Edna (Donnie) Williams, and Gloria Milburn. Two Brothers-in-Law: Terry (Jeanette) Williams Jr., and Donald (Annette) Williams; Her precious God-Child AnZharia Franklin, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and her favorite pooch Lavvy. A visitation for Melissa will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 beginning at 11:00 am at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. The Funeral Service will follow, beginning at 1:30 pm at Clayton Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 9:00 am at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.