Mrs. Callie T.C. Williams

Callie Matilda Baldrige Williams was affectionately known as T.C. Williams, Momma T, and Aunt T. She began her adventurous life’s journey on May 7, 1920 as the third child of I.W. Baldridge and Rosie Floyd’s four children. T.C. was a life-long resident of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; a friendly, lovely, peaceful place where everybody knew each other, would visit, and work together. The family raised ducks, cows and chickens; the feathers for bedding, milk, butter and eggs for cooking. She rode horses, drove mules; helped saw wood, grind sausage and milk cows. Her home life was good. T.C. lost her mother at an early age but had a host of support from extended family. T.C. Williams attended the Bethel Rosenwald, Chambers Chapel, McNairy and Selmer Junior High schools. She made good grades as she studied her favorite subjects of English, History, Algebra and Music. She also played softball, basketball, mud cakes, pulled pranks, told jokes and spun tall tales to bring laughter to her classmates. In her later years, she completed her G.E.D. T.C. Williams married Barney Williams on May 3, 1936. This union bore a son, who later married adding 5 children, 4 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren to the family. Her siblings also each married adding 4 nieces and 3 nephews as well. T.C. Williams began working at the age of eleven years old. Her career paths included Atlanta Life Insurance Agent, Certified Nurses Aid at McNairy County Hospital, Columnist for the Independent Appeal, Practical Registered Nurse, residential domestic and field hand. T.C. Williams was a loyal member of her congregation. Her family was one of several charter members of the New Bethel church where she served as Lay Leader, Adult Sunday School Instructor, Senior Choir President, Annual Conference Delegate, United Methodist Women President and YWC Member. At the District and Conference level, she served the Council on Finance and Administration, Superintendent of Higher Education, Nominating, Archives and History committees. T.C. Williams was an active participant in her community, clubs and organizations. She was a member of the Parent Teachers Association, Red Hat Ladies, Rosenwald Community Center and the NAACP. T.C. was elected the first black and first female Alderman of her town and was well respected by her fellow public servants. T.C. Williams is preceded in death by husband Barney Williams; mother Rosie Floyd Baldridge; father Issac W. Baldridge; sisters Sadie Elvira Baldridge Bradford Wilson, Auttie Mary Baldridge Williams, brother Marcus Sevoid Baldridge; aunt Lessie Stokes; nephew Matthew Williams and grandchild Nathaniel T. Williams. T.C. Williams completed her journey on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 6:00 a.m. at Jackson Magnolia Regional Hospital in Corinth, Mississippi. She leaves a host of loved ones which include: Son - Nathaniel Eugene (Shirley) Williams of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; Grandchildren – Darcus Williams, Douglas Williams of Nashville, Tennessee; Sheila Williams of Atlanta, Georgia; Cheryl Williams of Las Vegas, Nevada; Nieces – Eston Lena Bradford of Chicago, Illinois; Chauton Yvette (Bobby) Damron of Selmer, Tennessee, Tamela (Clifton) Sain of Selmer, Tennessee and Caroline Lois Martin of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Nephews – Donnell (Dorothy) Bradford, Robert Bradford of Chicago, Illinois; Sister-In-Law – Mozella (Marcus Sevoid – deceased) Welch Baldridge of Bethel Springs, Tennessee; And an adoring clan of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, friends and colleagues. T.C Williams is remembered and revered as a strong and noble woman of God. May the memory of her model of love, tenacity, resilience and focus inspire those she leaves behind.

Mrs. Callie T.C. Williams

May 7, 1920 - April 13, 2018