Jeanette L. Williams

Jeanette LaVerne Lemon Williams, was born on 3/11/1947, in Charleston, S.C. to her parents Preston Jacob Lemon and Estell Frances Wilamena Edney who preceded her in death. She grew up in a household full of siblings, with her older brother’s Melvin Alvin Lemon, Earl Jacob Lemon, James Johnny Lemon, sister Patricia Albertha Lemon, all of whom preceded her in death and only surviving brother Prestly Alphonzo Lemon aka “Arthur” and her 1st cousin Francis Edney.Laverne, was educated in Charleston’s Public Schools. She always spoke about herself being a “challenging student!” One of her teacher’s who she admired that stood out was Congressman Jim Clyburn. For Laverne, life growing up was good. She often talked about how mischievous they all were. The bitter sibling rivalries. But overall, a good life until tragedy took place. At just 20, her mother Estell Edney passed. Then life became serious. In survival mode, she married her sweetheart Frankie Wine. That’s when she discovered her passion for food and food service.During her marriage, she and Frankie headed North to Virginia to do banquet service. This is where she learned serving and planning on a grand scale. After a year or so, they’re headed back to Charleston, where she landed a job at Perdita’s Restaurant, later known as “The Exchange.” It was a fine dining establishment where she worked her way up from prep to line cook. Then eventually, Executive chef. Laverne was a hard worker with big dreams! There she met several celebrities who asked to meet her because her food was so good. She even got an offer from First Lady, Mrs. Betty Ford, who told her that anytime she wanted to come to the White House to let her know!As life would have it, she was unable to biologically produce children. But as God would allow, she got to parent her “beloved niece” Kartika Nichelle Anderson, as her own. Marriage to Frankie didn’t last as long as she expected. After they bought a home West of the Ashley, in Charleston, after a few years they ended up departing ways and she worked tirelessly to provide a solid foundation for Tika and herself! Never to be outdone, Laverne worked 2 and 3 jobs to make ends meet. She provided Tika with a beautiful home and rich life! Despite working tirelessly, she never allowed her faith in God to waiver. Remembering, to go to church and serve God as you can. She would rarely miss service at Trinity AME, where she was raised as a Baptist.After 10 years of being a single parent, she ran into Eli Williams. Whom, after a brief courtship, she end up marrying and moving to N. Charleston with. Then when opportunity knocked once again on a grander scale in 1980, she headed to Washington D.C. with the new General Manager of Perdita’s. He bought her with him to the “Georgetown Marbury House” as his Sous chef. She was excited for this opportunity because not only did it broaden her horizons professionally. She got to spend quality time with her beloved brother Arthur. They were always known to be “two peas in a pod!” And she would also be closer to her sister Patricia, niece Renee, and her other relatives in Baltimore. Life up North was good. Then her GM, finding another opportunity wanted to head back down south to Florida. But she declined. Opting to stay in D.C near her brother and family. She had left Eli, Tika, and Eli Jr. in Charleston to help make a way. Allowing for Tika and Eli, Jr. to finish school. Then in the summer of 1981, they all came back together as a family. Although, things weren’t picture perfect, Laverne made the best of it. Their marriage dissolved in 1983. And it was Laverne and Tika again.At this point in her life, Laverne took the opportunity to focus on herself, and her career. After leaving Georgetown Marbury House, she went to the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel and worked for a couple years, then on to the “Holiday Inn” in Dupont Circle. Throughout the years, she assisted her friends who opened up several restaurants in the District, Tony at “ The Rave” on 19th St NW, Bill Wooby at “The Collector” on Florida Ave, NW, one other on 7th S.E. She while doing so, she worked at Herb’s Restaurant's located on 17th NW, now known as “The Beacon Hotel.” back then the Holiday Inn. God granted her great professional experiences and gain her several “work family” along the way. Her last and most impactful employer was John McManus. He bought “Herbs” and would be become not only “a pain in her butt” but an employer who was extremely instrumental in allowing her to fulfill her dream of becoming a home owner again! He was her friend who looked out for her well being! During her tenure with John, they did several catering events. Exposing her to beautiful areas in the DMV that she didn’t know existed. She stayed with John until her health started to fail. Then realizing, he assisted her with gaining a part-time job with the “Archdiocese of Washington.” Where he knew she would get a small pension and health insurance. Although, they had their disagreements, she cherished their friendship.In September 2011, she suffered a major stroke. Her health started to decline from there. Her diabetes was always swaying and blood pressure became more of an issue. Yet, she fought it in true Laverne style stubbornly, defying the odds. She would go in and out of rehab while still holding on to life. She spent quality time becoming a grandmother, which brought her so much joy. She would spoil Keila by taking her to get her nails done. Send her to Brian, to get her hair done. Simply trying to provide whatever they wanted. Kenyaun was just her special grandson whom she did not see as having any challenges. Niema was her Nuggie. She would put music on and have Niema dance and sing. That was her doll. She became her little caregiver during her years of illness. She slept with her and made sure she was ok. She got to attend Keila and Kenyaun’s graduation. Neima’s culinary debut. She welcomed her great grands Karter and Karson into the world. She spent quality time riding them around in her wheelchair. Playing with them as they ran around calling her “Griddy granny.” She didn’t get to experience Kashton. But she saw his pictures and FaceTime Keila.Jeanette Laverne Williams, lived a good life and left to mourn her beloved daughter, Kartika Nichelle Anderson, her beloved brother, P. “Arthur” Lemon (Brian Lemon) her grands Keila Dominique, Kenyaun Matthew Preston Anderson, Niema Mikel Thandi Notice, her great grands, Karter Devon and Karson Amir Frazier, Kashton Michael Allen, a living niece Renee Antoinette German, 1st Cousins Frances and Inie Edney, 2nd oldest Alphonzo Edney and a host of grand nieces, nephews and next generation’s cousins.