Valentina G. Williams, 1909-2019

She was born in Cuba Aug. 23, 1909, and came to Youngstown in 1928. In 1932, she married James W. Williams and from this union came six children, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Valentina was a resident of Youngstown for more than 90 years and was believed to be its oldest living resident. She was the oldest living member of her church St. Angela Merici, formerly Immaculate Conception.

Over the years, she has been a member of several organizations, volunteered in the community and had consciously applied herself to providing and caring for the needs of all people spiritually, physically and mentally. Valentina was an inspiration and role model for her family as well as many extended family members who call her “Mom” or “Grandma.”

She enjoyed reading and keeping up with current events. She credited her longevity to eating healthy, surrounding herself with the younger generation, being adaptable and putting things in God’s hands.

She is survived by her children, Conchita Williams Hill of Cincinnati, Coralia Williams (Harvey) Keye of Nashua, N.H., Constancia Williams (Roger) Raines of Cleveland and Carmelita Williams Douglas, with whom she resided; a daughter-in law, NoraLee Brownlee; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Valentina is preceded in death by her parents; husband James W. Williams Sr., who passed away Oct. 9, 1975; sons Henry E. Williams and James Williams Jr.; grandson Henry Eric Williams; four sisters; three brothers; sons-in-law John Hill and Bruce Douglas; and a close nephew, Joseph Perez Jr.

Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, and 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, 2019 at St. Angela Church, where Mass will begin at 11 a.m.

(special notice)