August 13, 1934 ~ December 29, 2021

Born in: Indianapolis, IN
Resided in: Indianapolis, IN

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The passion to improve conditions for the Black community has always burned within Vernice Williams. She lost her father when she was just three years old and credits her mother for setting a strong example and making selflessness the norm in her family.

Vernice was born and raised on the Northwest side of Indianapolis. She is a graduate from Crispus Attucks High School and attended Indiana University. She married her husband, Andrew, at age 17 and had six children. Even with a large family, the couple made the activism of the civil rights movement a critical part of their lives. When she went to a march, Andrew would stay with the kids, and vice versa.

Through her work with Operation Breadbasket and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Williams went to Chicago, where the Rev. Jesse Jackson-led Operation PUSH held its first exposition in 1969. The event championed Black achievements in business, technology and leadership.

Her servant leadership in the Indianapolis community through organizations like the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis and the Indiana Black Expo span over 50 years and has left a tremendous mark. As a result of her tireless enduring service, she became the first person from the state of Indiana to receive the
President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2005.

Vernice leaves her legacy and remembrance with her children and family that they will
continue to strive for excellence.

She is survived by
Bishop Nealon Guthrie, Joseph (Marsha) Guthrie and Deborah (Alan) Lewis

Children: Bishop Crystal Thomas-Bush, Bishop Andrea J Williams, Marlon (Gulmira) Williams,
Dr. Sherman (Sheree) Williams, DeWayne (Margie) Williams, and Karen R. Williams

Grandchildren: Norman (Amanda) Williams, Robyn Williams, Robert (Felice) Williams, Justin (Michele) Williams, Jessica Williams, Joshua (Tina) Williams, Jonathan (Dina) Williams, Jonathon Thomas, Kathryn Williams, Josiah Thomas, Shawn Williams, Quinn Williams, Tonia (Michael) Rodgers, Marcus Williams, Darryl Jones, Marcel (Austen) Williams, Jamar (Dalisha) Williams, Kenneth Tucker, Dilana Joyce, Aliya Williams

Great grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, relatives, friends and church members

She leaves us with this charge:

“I think every generation ought to be better than the one that came before it.
They have more…; they should do more.”

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Services

Visitation: January 8, 2022 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Grace Apostolic Church
649 East 22nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2022-01-08 10:00:00 2022-01-29 12:00:00 Vernice L. Williams Visitation Visitation 649 East 22nd Street,Indianapolis, IN 46202

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Funeral Service: January 8, 2022 12:00 pm

Grace Apostolic Church
649 East 22nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2022-01-08 12:00:00 2022-01-08 12:00:00 Vernice L. Williams Funeral Service Funeral Service 649 East 22nd Street,Indianapolis, IN 46202

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Guestbook

  2. Sending my prayers to the Williams family in this time of sadness. What an impactful life Mrs. Williams had and shared with the community! Rest In Peace.

  4. You have my prayer and heartfelt sympathy in the transition of your beloved mom. I enjoy working with her at the JDC, continue to walk in excellent

  5. Sending Love to family. Ms. Vernice was a true woman of God who blessed all that she encountered. She always had a word of encouragement and a warm and loving smile.

  8. So sorry for your family’s loss. May God grant you peace with her passing. Know that she is with the Lord she served and is at peace. I pray for those who loved her dearly.

  9. Prayers for the family in the loss of your dear Mother!! May God bless you with Peace and Love at this time of need!!

  10. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Family in the loss of your dear Mother!!
    May God give you Peace and Love to one Another!! Blessing!!

  11. We are so Sorry to hear about the passing of your love one. The Taylor Family is praying that God provides your family with peace and understanding during this difficult time.

  14. Our sincere & heartfelt sympathy to the family. Your mother & grandmother inspired many with her smile and passion to serve GOD and her community. Love & prayers, Diane, Lilli & Chas

  15. We thank God for the life of our dear cousin and we pray that He comforts and strengthens you all through this difficult time. With Love, The Bond Family

  16. My Deepest Sympathy to the family. May you find comfort in your memories that Vernice was a beacon of light everywhere she went and had a sweet spirit that was comforting to all who encounter her. May she rest in peace

  17. My sincere condolences entend to the entire Williams Family. Vernice and I shared a beautiful understanding and friendship over the years. Her decades of volunteerism and leadership demonstrated her passion and commitment to community, especially black youth. I did not have an opportunity to speak to her during her last days. She made her transistion on my birthday. I will always remember Vernice with love and respect.

  18. Sending prayers to the Williams family, I have known Vernice for years and always enjoyed working with her. RIP my friend.

  19. We will miss Venice so much . She was a beloved neighbor and an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know her .

  21. I extend my deepest condolences to he family of the lovely Vernice Williams! She was certainly a wonderful woman of God!! May you my friend RIH…..

  22. I celebrate with you the life of your mother.
    The Lord smiles on her and He has given you peace, comfort and all the grace you need .

  25. Sending prayers and love to the family. Mother Williams impacted so many people and was a servant and leader in the church and community.

  26. Family, You all have my love, prayers, and sympathy in the passing of Mom. She was a strong woman and leaves a strong and wonderful legacy to be cherished and proud of through out the generations. May you all be comforted each day to come knowing she’s with our Heavenly Father happy, and will see you again.
    Love Vicki 🙏🏽💕

  27. Our deepest condolences to the Williams family. We will always be forever grateful for Ms. Vernice’s love and kindness. May God wrap His loving arms around the entire family during this time.

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