Bay Area

In Memoriam

Longtime Bay Area resident Anita Faith Williams passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Zachary, La. She was 77. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Dec. 5, 1945, and spent much of her adult life as a vibrant, engaged activist in the California Bay Area.

Published

3 years ago

March 2, 2023

Oakland Post

Longtime Bay Area resident Anita Faith Williams

Longtime Bay Area resident Anita Faith Williams passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in Zachary, La. She was 77.

She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Dec. 5, 1945, and spent much of her adult life as a vibrant, engaged activist in the California Bay Area.

As Congresswoman Barbara Lee said, “Anita was a political force in the Bay Area and an unbelievable field and casework staffer. As a member of the California Democratic Party and the Niagara Movement Democratic Club, she was committed to progressive causes that improved the

lives of the most vulnerable.”

Williams served on Board of Directors of the Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) for many years and was awarded for her community service endeavors.

A charter and lifetime member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), she served as political action director on their state board for many years. BWOPA President Dezie Woods-Jones stated that “Anita had a passion for serving and loved being engaged in politics as a change agent for the underserved.”

As a dedicated and active member of Oakland’s Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, Williams was a Bible Study teacher for many years. She also developed the Saturday morning Neighborhood Outreach Program establishing a premier standard of excellence for the ministry by greeting and praying with neighbors and residents in the community.

Williams will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her. She is survived by her sister Paula, brother-in-law James and other family members who were present at her passing.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 3:30 p.m. at Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, 7007 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, California 94605.