Ms. Irene Juanita Williams, 81 of Bronx, New York (formerly of Southern Pines, North Carolina) entered into eternal rest Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Saint Barnabas Hospital, in Bronx, New York.

Ms. Irene Juanita Williams, affectionately known as Tina,  Aunt Tina, Nana and Big Mama was born on June 22, 1941, in Rockingham, NC to the late Judge and Armelia Williams.  She left us on December 31, 2022, at Saint Barnabus Hospital, Bronx, NY.  

Irene is preceded in death by her parents: Judge and Armelia Williams, her brothers, Llyod Henry,  Robert, Walker, Joseph and Leon Williams and  her sister Alberta Goldston, her son, Rodney Williams, and her Daughter Crystal Obgonoya.

Irene was the sixth  child of seventeen children.  She attended VIneland Elementary school in West End, NC and Pickney High school in Carthage, NC. She left home and headed for New York at the age of seventeen year old and made New York her new beginnings. Growing up in a religious home began of a lifelong relationship with Christ. She attended Deliverance Holy Tabernacle in Patterson, NJ and served under Apostle Dr. Walter Scott and First Lady Scott.  

Irene loved to cook and dance.   She worked as a show girl at the Palm Café in Harlem, NY, during her early years.  Irene  liked that Harlem Swing and danced with famous Lindy Hoppers Barbara, and McDonald.  Irene also worked as the Head Chef at Baychester Senior Center.  Irene worked with the New York City Police Department in the Traffic Enforcement Division.  She worked tirelessly for 23 years and  honored and respected her police shield. Irene worked her way up the ranks and retired as a Captain in 2002. Irene was  9/11 first responder and would eventually succumbed to her injuries.  

Irene was a very loving, caring and dedicate mother to her children.  She give her heart to all and unconditional love. She had a passion for Cashmere; her favorite colors were coral and teal. Irene’s favorite saying was “you can’t rush good taste”. Marvin Gaye's; Rocking After Midnight was her favorite song and she could cut a rug when she heard the song. Irene’s favorite song to sing was When Sunny Gets Blue and she often sang the song to Miss Lady and her record producer fiance Lionel trying to get a record deal. Irene’s favorite person in the whole wide world was  the Doc aka  Adolphus.  Psalm 61 was her favorite scripture.  

Irene will be dearly missed and leaves behind Dr. Adolphus Onwudinjo, a very loving and devoted companion of more than 30 years, her daughter Robin  "Miss Lady" Williams (Lionel Job) of Bronx, NY, Reginald “Reggie”Williams, Bronx,  NY and Matthia Gonzalez of Englewood NJ. six sisters: Verlean Scott (Apostle W. L Scott) of NC, Clara Spencer of NC, Maxine Kelly of NJ, Jerilean Jones (Thomas) of NC, Beulah Williams of Las Vegas, Delphine Harris (Charlie) of NC; four Brothers:  Gene Williams (Maryann), Darn Williams,  Warren Williams, and  Anthony Williams (Patrica) of NC; six grandchildren: Guy Miller Jr. (G Millz),  Reginald Williams Jr. (Junior), Daniel Williams (Danny) Veronica Gonzalez (Princess), Andres Gutierrez Jr. (Buddha Hooda) and Andrianna Gutierrez (Little Pink Poodle); three great-grandchildren:  Malia Miller (Mama), Guy Miller III (Bam-Bam) and Tajana Sheilds (Tooty) and one godson Jimmy Black; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. 

Irene's favorite niece and nephew were all of you.   She loved her special friends Ollie and Bobby Bazmore, Lavanda Worthy,  Pat (Girly) Ellis and Cheryl Hodge.

A special thanks to Ebony “Ebbie” Williams  and  her home companion Brahash “Angel”. She loved you and never would have made it without you.  

Although we are saying good night Irene; she will never be forgotten.

Please keep the family and friends of Ms. Irene Juanita Williams in your thoughts and prayers. 

McLeod Funeral Home believes in placing your safety first. For the safety of you and those around you, masks are required before entering the building.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.