VanStella Williams
VanStella (née Whitehead) Williams
August 26, 1949 – November 19, 2024
Celebration of Life
In Loving Memory of
Friday, December 13, 2024
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125
12:30 PM
Webster Groves Recreation Complex
Scout and Cheyenne Rooms
33 E. Glendale Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119
2:30–5:30 PM
Order of Events
Private Committal Ceremony
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
12:30 PM
- Scripture reading by Pastor Jewell Brodie, Valley Park United Methodist Church
- A Flight of Angels: Dove Release
A twelve dove release along with one single dove released by the family to represent their mother’s flight home with the angels.
Celebration of Life Memorial
Webster Groves Recreation Complex, Scout and Cheyenne Rooms
2:30–5:30 PM
2:30–3:30 PM
Gather and Reflect on Memories
- As you arrive, please take time to enjoy the photos displayed throughout the room, celebrating VanStella’s beautiful life and cherished moments. Soft music will play in the background, featuring a curated Spotify playlist of songs loved by VanStella and her family.
3:30–4:30 PM
Musical Tribute by Saxophone Player, Kelvin Evans
- During the first few minutes of Kelvin’s performance, we invite you to silently reflect on VanStella’s life by reading the obituary printed in the program. The back cover also contains poems written and selected by her children.
4:30–5:15 PM
Extended Reflections from Family and Friends
- A brief moment will be provided for extended family and friends to share remarks, with each speaker encouraged to keep their time brief.
5:15–5:30 PM
Closing Tribute and Family Remarks
- Musical Performance: “His Eye is on the Sparrow” sung by Tish Period.
- Closing remarks and thanks from VanStella’s immediate family.
VanStella (née Whitehead) Williams departed this life on November 19, 2024 at the age of 75. Born on August 26, 1949 she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose vibrant personality and compassionate spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
VanStella was a mighty proud graduate of THE Vashon High School, always emphasizing the “THE” with great pride. She went on to dedicate her life to serving others as a skilled and compassionate nurse. Throughout her career she received multiple awards honoring her dedication and performance, providing care, comfort and kindness to countless lives, embodying her natural calling to help those in need.
VanStella was married to the love of her life, Ronald Williams. Together they shared 55 years as a couple and celebrated 53 years of marriage. They built a family filled with love, laughter and unforgettable memories. VanStella was the proud mother of three children: Anthony Williams, Ronnetta Williams and Antwuan Williams. She was also a devoted grandmother to her beloved granddaughter Sade Topps with whom she shared a deep and unbreakable bond. Her family was her greatest joy and her love for them was endless.
In her final chapter, VanStella fought a courageous battle against cancer with the same strength, spirit and unapologetic personality that defined her life. Even in the face of adversity, she remained boldly and unmistakably herself, inspiring all who witnessed her resilience.
VanStella had a larger-than-life personality and was known for her unmatched sass and quick wit. According to her children, “she always loved talking shit,” which added humor and joy to every conversation. She also loved gardening, reading and good food. Her favorite meal to eat was BBQ rib tips, and while Anthony and Antwuan adored her liver and rice, Ronnetta firmly declared it wasn’t her favorite—but that didn’t stop VanStella from making it with pride.
VanStella’s ashes were laid to rest in a private committal ceremony (burial) at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery where she was interred next to her beloved husband Ronald Williams.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald Williams; her father Hulet Houston; her mother Dorothy Whitehead; her brother Willie Whitehead; and her sister June (née Whitehead) Turner. She is survived by her children Anthony Williams, Ronnetta Williams and Antwuan Williams; her granddaughter Sade Topps; her sister Mary (née Whitehead) Hardiman; her brother Ernest Whitehead and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will continue to honor her memory.
Rest in peace, VanStella. Your laughter, love and light will forever be etched in our hearts and your legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved you.
“The Dash”
Originally authored by Linda Ellis, has been lovingly modified by Anthony Williams to honor his mother.
We gathered here to honor you,
A soul so vibrant, bold, and true.
Your life began with a date so grand,
August 26th, where the story began.
A second date, now etched in stone,
November 19th, when you went home.
But what matters most is the dash in between,
The life you lived, the love you’d glean.
The dash is where your laughter rang,
Where stories grew and memories sang.
The nurse who healed with a tender touch,
A mother and grandmother who gave so much.
With sass and wit, you lit the way,
Turning dull moments into brighter days.
Your humor sharp, your heart so wide,
A one-of-a-kind spirit, impossible to hide.
Preceded by those you missed so dear,
But their love stayed strong, ever near.
And now you join them, hand in hand,
In a peaceful, endless, heavenly land.
For those still here, we’ll cherish the dash,
The legacy you left, a love that will last.
Though the dates mark the start and the end,
The dash tells the story of our dearest friend.
Rest well, Moma, your dash was bright,
A life well-lived, a guiding light.
Forever loved, forever missed,
Your memory lives in every heart you kissed.
“I Thought a Broke-B Said Something: Echoes of a Beautiful Life”
Authored by Ronnetta Williams
Who’s the coolest? We all know the name,
VanStella Williams, in life’s grand game.
With sass and wit, she lit up the air,
A legend, a queen, beyond compare.
“You don’t know me,” she’d boldly proclaim,
A reminder her spark wasn’t just a name.
“The truth will set you free,” she’d say with pride,
Her wisdom a beacon, her words our guide.
“You better ask somebody about me,” she’d grin,
A fierce, fiery soul, sure to win.
“It will come to you,” she’d often advise,
A hint of her wisdom, sharp and wise.
Her humor sharp, her spirit wild,
Every laugh and quip left us beguiled.
She spoke her truth, she owned her way,
A trailblazer bright till her final day.
So here we gather, her words still sing,
A testament to the joy she’d bring.
Forever the coolest, her legacy strong,
VanStella Williams, where hearts belong.
Oh, she paused, “I thought a broke B said something,”
With a laugh and a wink, her confidence humming.
“I’ll holla,” she said, “Catch you later, I’m gone!”
VanStella’s legacy, forever strong.
“My Mother Kept a Garden”
Author Unknown – Chosen by Antwuan Williams
My Mother kept a garden,
a garden of the heart;
She planted all the good things
that gave my life its start.
She turned me to the sunshine
and encouraged me to dream,
fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem.
And when the winds and rains came,
she protected me enough—
But not too much, because she knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
always taught me right from wrong—
Markers for my pathway
that will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother’s garden.
I am her legacy.
And I hope today she feels the love
reflected back from me.
Acknowledgments
The family of VanStella Williams deeply appreciates your presence, prayers and support during this time. Your love and kindness have brought comfort and strength as we celebrate her extraordinary life.
Mama, where do I even begin? You were my rock, my guide, and my greatest cheerleader. Your love was unconditional, your laughter was contagious, and your wisdom shaped who I am today. You taught me how to be strong, even when life was hard, and to always find something to smile about.
I’ll miss our talks, your hugs, and the way you always knew just what to say. You weren’t just my mama—you were my best friend. Life won’t be the same without you, but I promise to carry your love and lessons with me every single day.
Thank you for everything, Mama. For your love, your sacrifices, and for always being there. I hope I made you proud, because I’ll always be proud to be your child. Rest easy, and don’t worry—I’ll keep making you laugh in my prayers. 🙏💜🙏
I love you always and forever,
Net
“Stella”
Psalm 90:10 (NJV): “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
King David was a praiser, and I know our Lord would say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, Stella.” Though she has gone away, her strong spirit will remain with us forever. I will deeply miss her guidance, her sense of humor, and the special bond we shared. She loved me dearly, and I loved her just as much.
I could write a book about my precious Stella. We all miss her terribly and wish she could be here with us, but our Father has called her home.
“Good Grieve”
Grieving allows our tears to fall. It shows the magnitude of someone’s life in our own. If they touched your life, you will grieve; to remove grieve is to remove the memory. So, good grieve is good—keep on grieving.
Stella, you touched my life in so many ways. I will love you always.
❤️ Thaddeus 🙏🏾🕊️
“Momma”, you were, for most of my life, a constant force and a strong source. For 45 plus years, I’ve witnessed your strength and resilience. Your “don’t be no punk” and “don’t be scary” helped to mold me into speaking up and standing on my truth. You always welcomed
me AND my family with loving, open arms,
ALWAYS!!🥲🥹💝🙏🏽 YOUR strength gave ME courage throughout my life. I could call and talk to you or just show up and you were ALWAYS ALWAYS the same “Momma”. The most GENUINE soul and I miss you so dearly💔. In my sadness and grief, I find myself laughing because I can hear your strong powerful voice and your funny but true sayings. You staring at me and Ronnetta, busting in on our conversations and we’d laugh so hard. You Calling us “Lucy and Ethel”. I always loved, welcomed and appreciated your presence. And I needed your energy, your vibe in my life.
You were a huge part in molding my character and I am and will be forever grateful for YOU!
“Momma”, it’s your time now to rest easy. You’ve done your part and completed your tasks unconditionally, and to the fullest. With NO FEAR, NO COMPLAINTS. You always just did what needed to be done.
There’s so many great things I can say.
I will forever honor and cherish you my Beautiful Stella – “Momma”.
YOU are truly one of a kind and I adore you, forever and always💙🩵💝🙏🏽🕊🕊
Until we meet again,
Dei
😇☝🙏🙄😍
Hello everyone my name is Ernest most you know me a little earnest Stella was my best friend also she was my big sister I found out years ago how much spell it was love and respect when her friends gave me the nickname love the best hour I took it as an insole at first not knowing that that was respecting love this style of demanded and her neighborhood when she’s growing up now that I found out where the woods I had a chuckle about it but Stella was my best friend my big sister even though I was taller than she was I’m a miss her I do miss her my journey to be smooth May our journey be so
Stella, you always had a kind word and a smile for me. One of my Mom’s dearest and oldest friends. You became a fixture in our lives and considered an auntie as we embraced your children as our cousins.. always loved and missed 💕 Gina
To the Williams Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved mother. I know how significant she was in your lives and the profound impact she had on your family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Grieving can feel overwhelming, and I want you to know that I am here for you. If there’s anything specific I can do to support you or your family—be it running errands, providing meals, or just offering a listening ear—please do not hesitate to reach out.
As you navigate through this sorrowful period, I offer this prayer:
“Dear God, we lift this grieving family to You. Please wrap them in Your loving arms and may Your Holy Spirit be their source of comfort and strength. Help them to feel Your guiding presence in this time of need. Grant them the peace that only You can provide and instill in them the hope of brighter days ahead.”
Wishing you and your family love and solace in the days to come.
Warm regards,
Pastor Jewell Brodie @Valley United Methodist Church, Valley Park, MO