Barbara Lee Williams

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, Barbara L. Williams, who left this world on January 30, 2026, at the age of 98, to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Barbara was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on February 16, 1927. She was the daughter of the late George and Martha Carter and was a beloved mother, known for her unwavering love, kindness, and grace. She was previously married to the late Robert L. McNeal and was preceded in death by her second husband, Thomas E. Williams, to whom she was married for 30 years.

Barbara will be profoundly missed by her six children: Shirley A. Tyler of Newport, RI; Richard T. McNeal (Bub) of Boston, MA; Dorothy L. McNeal of Pawtucket, RI; Theodore McNeal (Amanda) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Theresa Williams Jordan of Boston, MA; and Christine Clarkson (Wes) of Middletown, RI. Her children cherished her deep wisdom and gentle spirit. She is also survived by her stepson, Samuel Williams of Provincetown, MA, and her sister-in-law, Edith Carter, of Las Vegas, Nevada. She was predeceased by another stepson, Thomas Williams, and her eleven siblings: Jennie Bryan, George Carter, Strawther Carter, Charles Carter, Alberta Monroe, William Carter, Charlotte Weston, Hershel Carter, James Carter, Mildred Mosley, and Walter Carter.

Barbara leaves a vast legacy. She was a blessing to her ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind scores of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Barbara graduated from Rogers High School in 1946. During World War II, she worked at the Newport Naval Torpedo Station and later as a domestic worker. Following the war, she spent ten years as a dietary aide at Newport Hospital.

A devoted member of Community Baptist Church, Barbara served the Lord through her involvement with the Marion J. Brown Visitation Committee and the Women's Ever Ready Society. She was also a board member of the Church Community Housing Corporation, working alongside her brother, Hershel Carter, her niece, Edna Wells, and other community members to develop affordable housing for low-income families in Newport.

As a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she was affectionately known as GiGi. Her gentle spirit and strong character made her always available to listen, whether to family, friends, or even strangers. Barbara was known for her encouragement and trustworthy advice, which she readily offered to those around her. She had a passion for playing Bingo, watching mystery shows and old Westerns, and attending plays and musicals. Her greatest joy came from spending time at family gatherings with her children, grandchildren, and other family members. She was the matriarch whom we all admired and cherished. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Community Baptist Church at 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02840. Calling hours are 10am - 11am, with funeral services at 11am. The burial will follow at Newport Memorial Park, 123 Howland Ave, Middletown, RI 02840

Donations in her memory may be made to the Community Baptist Church at 50 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd, Newport, RI

The service will be livestreamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89052912337?pwd=pgUfpFe4clBFtjabl2plmxCHCaSrDF.1Meeting ID: 890 5291 2337Passcode: 245806.