Lurita Janine Williams
June 30, 1933 – May 17, 2015
Lurita Janine Williams, known to her friends as "Willie", born as Lurita J. Ellis in Commerce, Oklahoma on June 30
th
, 1933, was taken up to be with our Lord and Savior in heaven on May 17, 2015 in Edmond, Oklahoma. The daughter of Houston and Florence Ellis, she graduated from North Miami High School in 1949.
For a time Willie moved frequently due to her husband's career. She always loved learning and continued her education by attending several colleges and universities. She obtained both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Oklahoma.
"Willie" worked for the federal government for more than 50 years. The branches of her federal service employment included the Bureau of Indian Affairs, as well as civilian employment with both the Department of Army and the Air Force. The last 30+ years (1979-2012) of her federal employment were as Civilian Personnel Officer for the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
In January 1999 Lurita was recognized by the Department of Army with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award
.
Then in 2004 Lurita was recognized again by the Department of Army with the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service
.
Willie is survived by her son – David Williams and wife, Donna, of Houston, TX; daughter – Cathy Williams-White of Edmond, OK; son – Drew Williams of Indianapolis, IN; grandsons – Travis Williams of Edmond, OK, and Ben White of Edmond, OK; and brother – Floyd Ellis, Sr.
A Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday May 21, 2015 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.
