Gertrude D. Williams

With great sadness, the family of Gertrude Williams announces her passing. She was 81 years old and peacefully departed this life on February 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 16, 1944, Gertrude was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Gertrude M. Franklin; father, Edgar L. Chandler; late husband, John L. Williams Sr.; and their two daughters, Carolyn and Katherine Williams. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Eddie Chandler, Johnny Chandler, Robert Chandler, Jackie Chandler, and Kim Franklin, as well as her sister, Sandra West.

Gertrude leaves behind a devoted and loving family, her son Johnny L Williams Jr. his wife Andrea Williams and son John L. Williams 3rd including her 6 brothers: Jerry Chandler, Michael Franklin, James Franklin, David Franklin, Roger Franklin, and Rodney Franklin; her three sisters: Joyce Franklin, Delores Franklin, and Janet Howard; and her uncle, Lester Mitchell. She was a proud grandmother to her three grandchildren, Roger Williams, Katherine Williams, and Antonio Williams, who she loved dearly. Additionally, she is survived by her devoted brother-in-law, Kevin Howard, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her deeply.
Her love for her children was boundless. Even in the face of unimaginable loss, she embraced the challenge of raising her three grandchildren after the passing of her two daughters. With resilience and without complaint, she instilled core values and showered them with love, nurturing them into responsible adults.

Gertrude had a special way of showing she cared. It was not uncommon for her to send heartfelt letters in the mail, simply to let you know she was thinking of you. If you ever gave Gertrude something, you could be sure that even 20 years later, she would still cherish it. One of her beloved sayings was, "If you place your problems in God's hands, He will make a way." This reflected her deep faith and unwavering trust in God’s guidance. Gertrude was also famous for her "trademark potato salad," a dish that everyone eagerly anticipated at every family gathering.

We will deeply miss her radiant smile, her witty remarks, and her optimistic outlook on life. However, we find peace in knowing that Gertrude has transitioned to a spiritual realm, where she is reunited with her mother, sisters, brothers, daughters, and other beloved relatives in heaven. Gertrude’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will be remembered by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on February 14, 2026, at Mimms Funeral Home, located at 1827 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224, at 4:00 PM.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.