Bernice Marie Jones-Williams, 88 of Davenport, IA departed this life on February 9 at The Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4444 W Kimberly Rd. Davenport.  Visitation will be from 9:30am until service time.  Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal.   

Bernice was born December 13, 1926 to Hugh and Fannie Sterrett of Joliet, IL.  Bernice’s accomplishments are extensive and iconic around the Quad Cities, she retired from the Rock Island Arsenal on May 31, 1989 as Head EEO Specialist.  During her life time she was actively involved in the community and led the development of several locally recognized organizations.

Mrs. Jones-Williams held title as the first woman President of the Q.C. NAACP and is documented in numerous literary pieces including:  “The Life Narratives of African American’s In Iowa”, and as a staple in the Black History Museum in Cedar Rapids, IA.

She leaves to remember her legacy, her children:  Clarence (Smokey) Williams III, Robert Williams, Linda Jones, Marsha (Eric) Ellis, Wendell Carter, Timothy (Camille) Hall, Tracy Locke, Eric Greer and several foster children and a sister, Katie (Melvin) Graves.

Grandchildren: Michael Lowery, Kimara Harris, Farrah (Jarvis) Holliday, Kyra Williams, Dyln Williams, Derick Jones, Jenae Vandevener, Jazmine Vandevener, and Erleen Ellis.  Twelve great-grand children and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by, her husband, Clarence Williams; son, Terry Haywood, parents Hugh & Fannie Sterrett, two sisters and one brother. 

Memorials can be made in her Honor to the Disabled Veterans at http://www.dav.org/ or the local Salvation Army Family Assistance at Gary_Felton@usc.salvationarmy.org. 

On line condolences may be left for the family at www.orrsmotuary.com.