Ernestine "Dee Dee" Simmons Williams was born to the late Reverend Lisco and Mrs. Alma McFadden Simmons on May 24, 1938 in Dorchester, South Carolina. She departed this life on October 2, 2013 in the comfort of her home.

Ernestine joined St. Daniel United Methodist Church at an early age.

Ernestine married Robert L. Williams on April 21, 1957. This union lasted for 57 years. After marriage, Ernestine and Robert moved to York, PA, where they resided for 37 years.

She joined Friendship Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board, Missionary Committee and also was a devoted deaconess.

Ernestine not only opened her door, but her heart and became a foster parent.
In 1994, Ernestine and her husband returned to Dorchester, South Carolina where she later joined Briner Disciples of Christ.

In 2011, Ernestine became ill and returned to York, PA with her daughter. She continued to worship God at New Covenant Community Church of God. In 2012, she returned back to South Carolina and joined House of Prayer and Praise. Ernestine worked as a machine operator for 45 years until her medical leave. She had a gift for caring for the sick. She was a dedicated, loving and most of all a real woman.

Ernestine never sugar-coated anything. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, a foster mother, godmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, best friend, and a caregiver.

Ernestine was preceded in death by two sisters, Ora Bell Inabinett and Lourine Gilyard; one brother, Lisco Simmons, Jr.; one son, Jerome Williams; one daughter, Lois Jean Williams and one grandson, Dion Williams.

She is survived by a loving husband, Robert L. Williams, daughter, Sonya Tyree; five sons, Jakie, David, Barry, Leon and Gerald Williams; one brother, Marion Simmons; best friend, Bessie Glover; five sisters-in-law; six brothers-in-law; twenty grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; one foster son, Scott; one foster daughter, Juanita; three goddaughters, Billie Jo, La'Cole and Angie; two godsons, De'Angelo and Valentino; a special niece reared as a sister, Diana Simmons and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.