Mrs. Nell Utsey Williams, the firstborn child of Bessie Utsey, was one of the first babies delivered by her aunt and midwife, Mary "Lokey" Johnson. She was born in the home of her maternal grandparents, Wonnie and Carrie Wade Utsey, in Grover, South Carolina.

Nell peacefully departed this earthly life during the early morning hours of July 1, 2026, at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Williams; her son, Jamil Williams; and her three brothers, Sammie DeReef, Howard DeReef, and Harry DeReef.

In 1957, Nell married John Williams, and together they were blessed with two children, Josephine and Jamil. John preceded her in death.

Nell grew up in Grover, South Carolina, where she was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents while being nurtured and cared for by her parents, Bessie Mae Utsey and William "Tunk" DeReef. At the young age of 15, she moved to Brooklyn, New York, in search of greater opportunities. Within just three months, she had secured employment and her own apartment a testament to her determination, independence, and strong work ethic.

She worked in production for many years before retiring in 2003. She was a faithful member of Brownsville Community Baptist Church and remained a proud resident of 360 Dumont Avenue until her passing.

A true staple of the Brownsville community, Nell was known and loved by many. She lived life on her own terms and was admired for her honesty, strength, and unmistakable spirit. If something happened on 360 Dumont Avenue, chances are Nell already knew about it. Her voice carried wisdom, her presence brought stability, and her door was always open to family, friends, and neighbors. She enjoyed beginning her mornings sitting on her stoop, spending evenings playing cards with friends, and making cherished weekend trips to Atlantic City until her health no longer allowed.

Nell leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted daughter, Josephine Williams of Baltimore, Maryland; three grandsons, Rafael (Tamekia) Williams of Summerville, South Carolina, David (Regina) Williams of Baltimore, Maryland, and Elijah "Blu" Williams of Orangeburg, South Carolina; seven great-grandchildren, Roshod, Robert, Deznisha "Bree," Zaria, Normanda "Peebles," Lalik, and Elijah Jaylon; three great-great-grandsons, Kyro, Jakoby, and Emerson; one sister, Sarah Singletary of St. George, South Carolina; three brothers, Alonzo (Rose) DeReef of Brooklyn, New York, Tommy (Annie) DeReef of St. George, South Carolina, and Marvin (Karen) DeReef of Rock Hill, South Carolina; two special lifelong friends, Ernestine and Doris of Brooklyn, New York; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Nell's legacy of strength, resilience, love, and unwavering independence will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to inspire generations to come.