The Life Of Lenona Lenona "Rita" Williams, also known as "Grandma Rita" and to family as "Lenore," was a woman of vibrant joy and boundless love. She peacefully transitioned home on July 2, 2026. A beautiful soul, she was lighthearted and fun, yet always commanded respect.

Her Journey Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Lenona was the beloved only child of the late Doris Williams and Leon Bolden. She grew up with deep roots in Brooklyn and Venice, IL, nurtured by her mother and grandparents, Viola and Benny Williams. As a little girl, she cherished Sunday drives with her grandparents and cousin Alexander "Lil Buddy" Williams -- a love for the open road stayed with her for life. After her time in the East St. Louis area, she settled in Belleville in 1986, making it her home and building the heart of her family for nearly 40 years. It was during this time that she completed studies at Belleville Area College (SWIC) and dedicated herself to a compassionate career as a healthcare professional, serving her community with a nurturing spirit until her health transitioned in 2007.

A Devoted Mother As a single mother, Lenona was a tireless protector, raising her children with grace. When her kids were teenagers -- and later as her grandkids grew up -- her home was the ultimate conflict-free haven. She was the "cool mom" who was welcoming and never annoying -- a trait that extended to the friends of her children and grandchildren, especially Devan's and Breianna's friends who adored her. To all, she was "Grandma Rita." She believed in letting her children and grandchildren fly free, always encouraging them to be their authentic selves.

Passions & Joys Lenona had a wonderful green thumb, finding her greatest joy nurturing her outdoor flower beds and hanging plants. She was a true foodie who loved her Pepsi, Zebra Cakes, and any other "knick-knacks" she could get her hands on! She had a lifelong love for movies and cherished hosting movie nights for her grandkids, including fond memories of watching Batman and other classics with Devan when he was a little boy. Above all, she loved the holiday season; she was particularly fond of poinsettias and famously followed her own rule of buying everything -- especially Christmas treasures -- in sets of two.

Her Final Days During her final days, Lenona was surrounded by love, comfort, and wonderful new experiences. She was deeply grateful for the devoted care of her daughter-in-law, Ann Williams (widow of the late Anthony "Teddy" Williams), as well as Jennifer Hamilton and Kate Hamilton (maternal grandmother of Devan and Breianna), who poured so much good energy into her life. Thanks to Ann and Jennifer, Lenona even got to explore and enjoy wonderful new foods and discover new television shows she might have never watched otherwise. Their wavering support made her transition peaceful, and the family is forever grateful for their kindness.

Those Who Cherished Her Memory She is survived by her children, Anjanette "Goonie" Blakely, Anthony Williams Sr., and Fernando "Nunu" Williams (Sharon); her grandchildren, Anthony Jr. "Lil Teddy" Williams (Abby), Devan Williams (Jenni), Evanie Gamble, Breianna Hamilton, Monte Henderson, Terri Turner, April Jenkins, Tilasha Okey, Alex Storm, Stephon Adams, and Charrise Adams; her beloved honorary grandchildren, Dominic Hamilton, Kendric Hamilton, and Alexis Hamilton; her special bond with Anjanette Blakely's goddaughter, Za'Ryah, who brought endless light to her life; her host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; cousin, Alexander "Lil Buddy" Williams; and her cousin, Cozetta Brown (raised like a sister) and Cozetta's daughters, Deonka Brown and Shantel Williams.

She is also survived by her cherished circle of love. She leaves behind her lifelong best friend of nearly 60 years, Evelyn Brown; their bond was a true testament to loyalty, and Lenona treasured Evelyn as the sister of her heart. She also cherished Evelyn's daughter, Verlisa Cradle, who she affectionately called her "bestie." She is also survived by Mary "Molly" Hamilton -- a deeply loved member of our extended family who shared an unbreakable bond with Lenona and affectionately called her "phat girl" -- and her daughter-in-law, Ann Williams. The family extends deepest gratitude to Evelyn, Verlisa, Molly, Ann, Jennifer, and Kate for their unwavering love and support, and acknowledges Bobby "Andy" Brown. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris; grandparents, Viola and Benny; son, Anthony "Teddy" Williams; and Anjanette Blakely's father, Charles Blakely Jr.