Mrs. Iris Williams

Her Story: Celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Iris Elaine Williams who went home to be with her Savior on Friday, February 1, 2019. Iris was born February 28, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the eldest of five children (Reka, Anthony (who preceded her in death), Twana and Terrence) born to the union of James and Margaret Ann Sanderson (who both preceded her in death). Iris was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and attended the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Cooley High School where she proudly represented her Cooley Cardinals. Iris successfully gained employment shortly after high school and worked many years in management for the defense industry. Iris ended her work career in 2000 to become a full-time caregiver for her father, James Sanderson. Iris met the love of her life Herron Williams “her rock” in 1974 and were married on her birthday, February 28, 1976. They happily shared 42 plus years in marital bliss. Raina Ja’Nee Thomas and Charles Blair Sanderson, are a testament to the lighthearted and loving mother, she was. However, there are a host of people that refer to her as mom. Whether a hand to comfort and help, or lending an ear for advice and to make you smile she was always there for her children. At an early age, Iris accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and attended Detroit Unity Temple, with her mother at a very young age thus growing her love and interest in becoming an active servant of the church. She was devoted and committed to her role as the lay ministry for the tour guides, active on the bereavement committee, sang in the church choir and enjoyed participating in church functions such as: the annual church picnic and fashion show. There was no limit as to what she would do to show her support, love and insert her energy and charisma in everything she did. Iris was the true example of Christ, love and compassion. When in her presence you would feel an overwhelming amount of infectious energy because she brought joy, laughter, passion and the “spice of life.” Iris was genuine in the friendships she built, the strangers she met and, in the advice, and support she gave. You would never know what to expect from Iris because she followed the beat of her own drum and enjoyed keeping people in suspense from her clothes to her various hairstyles. She was truly a movie star in her own right. No two days were the same for Iris because her goal was to be present and enjoy life and she did so by taking trips, attending family gatherings, golf outings with her husband and being present in any event involving her children/grandchildren, who she absolutely loved more than anything. Her motto was “every day is a holiday.”

Mrs. Iris Williams

February 28, 1954 - February 1, 2019