First Lady Evelyn Shaw Williams, 71 passed away with her family by her side on November 25, 2017 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York. 

Born and raised in Sanford, Florida on August 20, 1946 to the late Gilbert Shaw and the late Mary Williams until 1959 when her family migrated north to Williamson, New York.  Evelyn attended Williamson Central High School and later relocated to Rochester, New York where she attended East High School. 

In 1963, she met Richard C. Williams Sr. and on July 16, 1964 they were married. The couple had four children (two sons and two daughters): James Shaw (predeceased), Richard Williams Jr., Twyli Denise, and Serena Ann. In 1973, Evelyn and her husband moved the family to Buffalo, New York.  

She was employed by Interim Healthcare for 20 years.

Evelyn was an active member at Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Superintendent Lincoln Williams Sr. Among her many acts of service and numerous accomplishments included: Assistant District Missionary, President of the Pastor and Ministers’ Wives Choir, Assistant President of the D.T. Choir, and President of a special ensemble to be the Pastor's choir,   called the D.T. Special. 

She was among the singers on The Song is Born album featuring The Clark Sisters and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Evelyn also represented New York State by ministering in song to former presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Bishop J.O. Patterson.

In 1994, she and her family returned to Rochester to serve alongside her husband, Pastor Richard Williams, Sr in full time ministry at True Gospel World Wide Ministries Church of God in Christ where she faithfully served for 33 years. More importantly, Lady Williams was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost. She sincerely loved the Lord, among her favorite scriptures included: Psalms 91, Psalms 27, Romans 8:28, 2 Chronicles 7:14, and Isaiah 53. Her favorite quote is “I will let nothing separate me from the love of God”. 

Evelyn is predeceased by her parents: Gilbert Shaw and Mary Williams and her son: James Shaw.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory, Her Loving and Devoted Husband of 53 years Superintendent Pastor Richard C. Williams Sr.; Son: Richard (Lisa) Williams Jr.; Daughters: Twyli (Sammuel) Seymour, Serena Ann Williams. One Adopted Daughter: Melinda Thompson; 30 Grandchildren, 10 Great Grandchildren; Brothers: Winifred (Jennifer) Martin, Harold (Stacy) Martin and Reginald Martin; Sisters: Maxine (Bryan), Paula (Walter); God Daughters: Cynthia Zeigler and Chanelle Mann; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.

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