Williams Jeanette

Jeanette Williams was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 1, 1948 to the late Henry Williams and Hazel (Hill) Williams.  On Friday, March 25th, 2022 Jeanette Williams transitioned to spend eternity with the Lord. 

Jeanette described herself as “coming out the womb singing”.  She began singing at Refuge Baptist Church at an early age.  Her professional career launched at the age of 14 as an opening act for Dionne Warwick.  Shortly after her career began, she found her passion in jazz music.  One of the highlights of her career was when she was invited on stage to sing with Sarah Vaughn.  She was a pillar in the Columbus jazz community.  Over the five plus decades of her career, she performed with countless local and national artists… Rusty Bryant, Hank Marr, Bobby Floyd, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Mary McClendon, Doc Severinsen, George Benson, Arturo Sandoval and many others.  Her last performance was at the Columbus Jazz and Ribfest in 2019 at Bicentennial Park.  Jeanette was not just a singer.  She was a true entertainer. To have known her was to love her.  

She is preceded in death by parents Henry and Hazel (Hill) Williams, brothers Alan Owens, Henry Williams, Harold Williams. Sisters Hattie Davidson, Sharon Hudson and Marlene Williams.

Jeanette’s greatest legacy is her children and family.  She leaves to cherish her life and memory three children, sons Christopher (Anastasia) Williams Sr., Marcus Williams and  daughter Sherrice Williams. Sister Charlene Williams. Grandchildren Christopher A Williams Jr. , Jaelani Turner-Williams, DaMia Williams, Jacob Williams, Salaya Miller and Avani Bradley, special friends Mary McClendon, Raleigh Randolph, Joseph Heimlich, James Hodnett, Jacqueline Peterson and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 11AM until 1PM in the Ballroom of the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., Columbus, Ohio 43203.

Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES, 4019 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio, 43227,  MLSmoot, Director, 614-444-1463, www.smootfuneral.com

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