The Life of a Remarkable Woman

Betty Joyce (nee: Cobb) Williams left this earth to join our Savior on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.  Betty was born April 15, 1949, in Racine, Wisconsin to the late Alvis Sr. (Hotdo) and Juliette (nee: Chew) Cobb.

A lifelong resident of Racine, Betty graduated from Washington Park High School in 1967. As a teenager Betty was very active in the NAACP youth council marching for civil rights. She continued her involvement well into adult hood as a life member of the NAACP. After high school, Betty went on to pursue her college degree. She was well acquainted with the University of Wisconsin system as a student at UW- Lacrosse and UW-Madison before graduating with her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin – Parkside.  She later completed her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

On December 18, 1971, Betty was united in marriage to the love of her life, Grice Williams, Jr. During their 49-year marriage they traveled the world whether by plane, train, or automobile. As they were both enthusiastic golfers, they were known to just get in the car and drive south until it was warm enough for a round.

With a particular emphasis on our youth, Betty was an employee of Racine County for 27 years as a social worker and most recently the Coordinator of the Birth to Three Program.  She retired from the county on February 9, 2011.

Betty was an avid reader, enjoying lively discussion and fellowship with her SISTARS book club. She also enjoyed her Tuesday morning ladies' golf league and her tennis league. Playing games was one of her favorite pastimes whether they were board games, card games, or online games. She enjoyed occasional trips to Potawatomi Casino or as we liked to call it "up the road". Betty was a life-time member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and assistant teacher for Adult Class #3.

Her witty, fun, and engaging personality will be missed.

She is survived by her husband Grice Williams, daughter Tamara (Jonathan) Kyle, sisters Maggie Cobb and Connie Cobb (Steve) Madsen and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Greeting Betty in heaven are her parents Alvis Sr. and Juliette Cobb, son Brian Williams, and brothers Alvis Cobb Jr. and Nikita Cobb and her mother-in-law Thelma Williams.

A Celebration of Her Beautiful Life will be held on Friday, November 12, 2021, 11:00am at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Racine, WI.  Visitation will be in the church 10:00am – 11:00am.

Masks must be worn at all times while in the church.

Service Details

Funeral: Friday, November 12, 2021, 11:00am

Visitation: Friday, November 12, 2021 10:00am – 11:00am.

Location: St. Paul Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., Racine, WI.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial donations on behalf of Betty J. Williams to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. (pancan.org).