Ann R. Williams

Ann Renee DeWitt Williams, 82 of High Point, NC, peacefully entered into her eternal home on

April 10, 2026. Ann was born on June 2, 1942, in Kingston, New York to the late Hattie Taylor

DeWitt and Cornelius Hasbrouck DeWitt. She was the middle child of five siblings, the late

Muriel Eunice DeWitt Irvis, (Howard) Sandra Olivia DeWitt Culmer, the late Donald LeFevre

DeWitt (Geraldine) and the late Ward Taylor DeWitt (Mary). Ann shared deep love for her

family and was an exceptional sister, daughter, niece, auntie, friend and companion. During her

early years, the DeWitt family resided in Albany, New York and were one of the founding

families of Walls Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. Ann actively participated in church programs

and activities and grew in Christian principles, values, and beliefs.

Ann was partially reared in Greensboro, North Carolina by her beloved late Aunt Rosa Taylor

Winchester and the late Uncle Clarence M. Winchester. After attending Dudley High School,

she graduated from the historical Boylan Haven Mather Academy in Camden, South Carolina.

She enrolled and matriculated at Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland) and later

graduated from Coppin State University in 1965. As an undergraduate student, Ann was a

community activist participating in civil rights demonstrations in Baltimore. She showed

perseverance and honor as she once was arrested for demonstrating for the rights of others.

During this time Ann married her late husband, Lewis E. Williams, and remained a part of his

caring and loving family.

Ann began her professional career in 1968 as a Correctional Officer with the Maryland

Correctional Institute for Women, Jessup Maryland. She modeled a strong work ethic and regard

for others. Her interpersonal skills, supervisory and leadership qualities resulted in promotions

and appointments as Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Captain. During her tenure, she also worked as a

supervisor in both the Women’s and Men’s Halfway Houses in Baltimore, Maryland. She retired

after 20 years working for the Maryland Division of Corrections and received recognition of her

dedication, commitment and service. She then attained her real estate license and pursued real

estate sales while living in Maryland. Ann also met her long-term partner, the late Darryl Powell

who became a beloved friend and uncle within the family.

In 2004, Ann moved to High Point, North Carolina with her sister, Sandra Culmer and niece,

Eryn Culmer. Seeking additional challenges, Ann returned to the workforce as a support

professional with Life Span Services assisting individuals with disabilities for several years.

Ann’s resilience and faith in God and church continued. She was a member of both St. Stephen

Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion and Swift Street A. M. E. Zion (Greensboro) Churches. She served as

Lay Council President, Class Leader, Missionary and choir member. Driven by her passion for

ministry, music, and singing, Ann also joined the Greensboro District and the Glenn Burleigh

Concert Choirs and participated in concerts throughout the Triad area. Ann was equally focused

on quality leisure time and enjoyed going to the beach, traveling and eating lunch with various

friends and acquaintances.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a sister Sandra DeWitt Culmer, niece/goddaughter, Eryn

Culmer of High Point, NC; two sisters-in-law Mary F. DeWitt of Albany, New York and Sheila

Jones of Baltimore, Maryland. A host of nieces and nephews: Pamela Irvis (William “Pete”)

Tab, Cinnamon and Morgan Hunter of High Point, NC; Trini Irvis of Statesville, NC; Damon

(Debraca) Irvis, Lake Wales, Florida; Mark and Monika De Witt of Durham, NC; Karen DeWitt

of Maryland; Dearthrice DeWitt of Burlingame, Ca.; Taylor DeWitt, Sara DeWitt of Albany,

New York; and special friends Nicole (Shamaine) Cousar High Point, NC; and Sharon Blake of

Baltimore, Maryland. Ann will also be remembered by her extended family and numerous great

nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and who also celebrate her life.

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