Katie Teretha Williams “Mother Tee” was born March 22, 1930 in Gastonia, NC to the late Edward and Estelle Rhyne. She entered into eternal rest on December 31, 2020 after a brief illness.
In 1950 Katie moved to New Haven, CT where she worked at St. Raphael’s Hospital for 29 years until she retired.
Katie became a faithful member of Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Charles Brewer Sr. where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and faithful choir member for 50 years, until she decided to join her children in the ministry and became a member of Prayer Dome Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Leroy M. DeBerry Sr. and Co-Pastor Phyllis DeBerry. She also sang with The Chorolettes under the leadership of the late Robert Taylor.
Katie is survived by her 2 children: son Calvin (Marilyn) Williams of New Haven, CT and daughter Phyllis (Leroy) DeBerry of Meriden, CT. Katie is also survived by her 5 Grandchildren Calvin, Tyron, Tiana, Leroy Jr., and Raman, 17 Great Grandchildren, 4 Great Great Grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Katie is predeceased by sisters Martha Hall, Mildred Wilson, Dorothy Gray, Frances Brown, and brothers James, Edgar, and Leander Williams.
A celebration of Ms. Williams’ life and legacy will be held Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Temple Church, 285 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. A Walk-through viewing will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Please adhere to any COVID-19 safety restrictions.
I was saddened to hear of Aunt Tee’s passing but also encouraged because we know it’s her home going. Her loving and gentle nature will truly be missed but she left a lasting legacy for us all. We cherish the memories and look forward to the reunion in the morning. May God continue to keep you in His will.
Your NC family
Kenny Jan & Tyler Wilson
To the Williams and Deberry Families we are so sorry for your loss if you all shall need anything please don’t hesitate to ask ,We love you all from our hearts to yours
Michael and Cleo Peterson and family
I am so blessed to have known Mother Tee over the pass 45 plus years. While a member of Trinity Temple we served in the choir together and there was no other ALTO like Tee Williams. My favorite song she used to sing during testimony service on sunday nights was, COME ON IN THE LORD’S HOUSE IT’S GONNA RAIN… I will always cherish the memories.
Calvin & Phyllis, please know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless each of you.
In his service,
Allen M. Hardy
I’m sorry for your loss…My condolences to the family….Mother Tee was an amazing WOG…Im praying for your strength…
I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by His side. What will my eyes see and my ears hear and my heart feel? We are saddened to hear of Aunt Tee’s passing, but we rejoice that she does not have to imagine. Surrounded by His glory she may be dancing before Him or standing in awe of His presence or falling to her knees or singing “Hallelujah.” Take your rest, Aunt Tee.
Diane, April, Scott & Mark
Phyllis, Leroy, Tiana, Calvin, Marilyn and all the family,
I love you all and I loved Teresa (Teretha). Her and my mom, sister Martha Hoff were best of friends. They talked almost every day until she passed in 2015. They used to ride around in mom’s car always going to Dunkin Donuts for that gooddd cup of coffee. When they started to get older, Frances Lawrence joined the group and started driving them to eat and to Dunkin Donuts. I remember having all of the crew over for Lunch, they ate, laughed, and just enjoyed being together. I will always remember Tee, her humor, her playfulness, her sincere prayerfulness. She loved the Lord!!! She and mom are tickled right now. They are both in the heavenly choir and they see Jesus. God bless you all.