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Diriska “Dee” Williams Booth

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Diriska “Dee” Williams Booth

Wed, 01/06/2021 - 5:00 am
1936-2020

Missionary Diriska “Dee” Williams Booth, at age 94, took her wings into God’s arms on Dec. 30, 2020. She was born in New Iberia, Louisiana, on Sept. 9, 1936, to the late George and Alberta Williams.

In her adult years she married Elton Booth on Dec. 1, 1945, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. They moved to Breckenridge, Texas, in 1947.

She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church since 1947 under the leadership of Rev. Eli Cooper. She served as president and vice-president of the senior choir, vice-president of the missionary society, vice-president of the usher board, and superintendent of the Sunday school class. As you can see Diriska Booth loved the Lord.

She really loved to cook. She was well known for her chocolate chip cookies. People came from all over just for her cookies. Her best friends in her cooking crimes were Nola Swan and Ruby Cooper.

She worked at The Busy Bee Café from June of 1945 until June of 1952. She met Bill and Nancy Pitzer, for whom she was supposed to work until permanent help could be found. She stayed 44 years raising, in her words, “three little blonde girls,” one of which is Barbara Pitzer Thornton, married to Mike Thornton, who cared for her in her senior years after she retired in 1994.

After she retired her health declined and she resided at the Villa Haven nursing facility.

Her favorite thing to do was to talk on the phone with her niece, Josephine Ceasar, pray heaven down, and listen to her singing. She also enjoyed talking to her brother, Bishop Alfred Williams, and hearing her niece Shirley sing “I Won’t Complain.” She did not complain.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Elton; her parents, George and Alberta Williams; sisters, Della Mae Carter, Mary Ann Antone, and Alma Walker; brothers Tom Williams, Anderson Williams, and Harry B. Williams; and her grandson, Roland Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two brothers, Bishop Alfred Williams of Lake Charles, La., and Herbert Williams of California, along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

A private service will be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with her burial to follow at Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home staff.

The Williams family would like to thank Mike and Barbara Thornton for their love, care, and compassion they gave to our loved one. “Taking care of her as family when she was away from her family.” You two were her eyes for things she needed to see.

They also want to thank Carl and Marilyn Garvin for all they did for Dee, as well as Dr. Prater and his staff at the Breckenridge Medical Center for the care they provided.

And to the staff at Villa Haven nursing facility, we truly thank you for all the care and hard work to make our loved one at home. All the years and changes had to be a challenge, but thanks to God for your expertise.

Memorial donations in Dee’s name can be made to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church building fund and can be left at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home office. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com