Charlease Williams

Champaign - Charlease Williams, 88, of Champaign died January 30, 2016 at the Champaign County Nursing Home where she lived for the past year. Charlease was born October 26, 1927 to the union of Oscar and Callie Gladney in Choctaw County, Mississippi. She was the first born of 12 children and shared her mother's birthday. She is survived by her daughter Cora (Russell) Norman, grandson Ty'mon (Kendra) Norman, and great grandchildren Tasia, Zion, and Ky'ra residing in Spanaway, Washington. She also leaves five brothers, Lenwood (Mae Nell) Gladney, Sr., Austin Gladney of Eupora, MS, Glenwood Gladney of Decatur, IL, Jim (Jeanne) Gladney of Champaign, IL, Marshall (Lily) Gladney of Urbana, IL, and two sisters, Hazel (James) Flint, of Dover DE, and Sinda Ann Gladney of Champaign, IL. Other survivors include her cousin Wilma Pratt and a good friend, Lottie Russell. Charlease was preceded in death by her father, mother, her maternal grandmother, Addie Hubbard, whom was very close, three brothers James (Delores) Gladney, Gene (Vilda) Gladney, Lewis (Denise) Gladney and her sister Odessa Monroe. Charlease graduated from Tupelo, Mississippi High School and later moved to Parma, Missouri where she became a cook for the school system. She loved cooking for the children and traveled with them on field trips providing her special fried chicken for them. Charlease moved to Champaign and worked at Centennial High School as a cook where she enjoyed preparing special meals for her nieces and nephews. Several years later she retired from the school. Charlease loved her family and worked to bring everyone together for holidays; cooking delicious meals that included her special banana pudding which was always requested. She took great pride in her family's accomplishments and will be greatly missed by all. The family of Charlease Williams wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude for all who cared for and loved Charlease and comforted the family at this sad time. A special thank you to the staff at Champaign County Nursing Home for the love and care they gave her. A service to celebrate the life of Charlease Williams will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Choctaw County Mississippi. Pastor Larry Mays will officiate. Burial will follow at Red Hill Cemetery. Please join Charlease's family in sharing memories, photos, or video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.