Helen Louise Lea Williams

Helen Louise Lea Williams, God loving, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, earned her wings peacefully at home on July 15, 2024, at the age of 76. Helen Louise Lea was forthright with her feelings and opinions that came with a balance of kindness and compassion for those that were around her. She was known for her love of music and fierce independence. Helen was born to the union of the late Earnest Lea and Hazel (Hillard) Lea in Batchelor, LA on September 19, 1947. Helen was the 9th child out of 10. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a member of Saint Mark’s Baptist Church. This is where she developed a love of piano and where she served as a pianist in the Church. Helen graduated from Upper Pointe Coupe High School in 1966 and went on to attend Grambling State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Education in 1970. After moving to New Orleans, LA, where she met the love of her life, Helen married Leon Joseph Williams, on June 30, 1973. Together, they built a beautiful life in Metairie, La, raising three wonderful children: Collette, Kenyatta, and Rashad. Helen was a devoted mother, always putting her family first and creating a home filled with love and warmth. She enjoyed playing the piano, walks in the park, crossword puzzles, cooking delicious meals, and spending time with her family. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Williams, her parents, Ernest and Hazel (Hillard) Lea; her sisters, Bertha Lea, Clara Bessie Lea Turner; her brothers Earnest Lea, Jr., Edwin Lea, Andew Lea and one niece Mechelle Lea. Helen leaves to cherish her memories by her three children, Collette “Roni” Williams, Kenyatta “Zee” (Freemon) Hankerson and Rashad Williams; her grandchildren, Laila, Alana, Alyssa; her sisters Hazel Lucille Payne and Thelma Mae (Louis) Armstrong and her brothers, Joseph Lea and Isaac (Florene Phillip) Lea; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen will be remembered for her welcoming personality, sense of humor and loving heart. She will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at First Siloh Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Perdido Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 on July 26, 2024 at 12pm. Visitation will begin at 11. Interment: Greater Saint Marks Church, 11972 Lee Lane, Batchelor, Louisiana 70715. Please visit rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.