Ernestine Williams, better known as “Tina,” was born in Fayetteville, N.C., to the proud parents Stewart and Fannie Jane Durden. She was the 10th of 13 children born to this union. All her siblings preceded her in death.
Williams was a long-time Seattle resident. She relocated from North Carolina in the late 1940s and lived with her older sister Gladys Lockhart and her husband James Lockhart. She gained employment in the hospitality industry, which included many private and downtown high-end businesses. Some of these included the Seattle Yacht & Tennis Clubs, the Rainier Club, and the Olympic Hotel Golden Lion. She was also a licensed real estate agent and worked in security for Seattle Public Schools.
She met and married Lawrence (Larry) Williams, and they welcomed Mark and Lauren into their union. Williams was very proud of her children and often spoke about their accomplishments.
She frequently opened her home to other family members and close friends who relocated to Seattle.
Williams is survived by her son Mark Williams (Marie), daughter Lauren Kendricks, grandchildren Robert (Bobby) Oden, Vincent (Vernetta) Williams, Christopher (Chris) Williams, and great-granddaughter Viviana Williams, with a great-grandchild soon to be born.
Funeral services will be held on September 7, 2023 at Bonney Watson Funeral Home, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188. Viewing will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by services from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Entombment will take place on September 8, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133.
