Denise Elizabeth Williams

Denise Elizabeth Williams , 67 of Copley, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on June 6, 2024.

Denise was born on March 18, 1957, in Akron, Ohio to Edward A. West, Jr. and Dorothy D. West (Harmon). Denise graduated from East High School in Akron, Ohio in 1975 and obtained her degree in Education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She met the love of her life Thomas, and they were married on April 24, 1982. They loved being together and out of that love they created two children and Denise was blessed with two beautiful bonus children from Thomas’s family.

The only element that rivaled her love for her family was being an educator. She embarked on a 40 plus year career in education, first teaching at Erie Island Elementary School until 2009 and then at Helen Arnold CLC in Akron, Ohio until present. Denise loved every single student she taught as if they were one of her own and made sure they received the best education possible. She was nominated Teacher of the Year in 2005 and was recently recognized as Featured Teacher of Akron Public Schools in February 2024.

Denise enjoyed spending time at home with her family, watching Cleveland Browns football and always looked forward to her summer vacation watching the US Open Tennis tournament. She was a very selfless woman, always making sure her children and husband had everything they needed and more. She had a special place in her heart for her furry grandchild Bear Elliott, and her face lit up whenever she saw him.

Denise is preceded in death by her parents Edward A. West, Jr. and Dorothy D. West (Harmon), survived by her husband Thomas Williams, brothers Gregory West (Cass'aundra), Geoffrey West, Sr. (Odessie), children Danielle Williams and Ashley Bott (Jonathan), bonus children Brian Williams (Isha) and Naketa Jones (Joey), and 6 bonus grandchildren Faith, Jaelynn, Joey Jr., Xaiver, Clayton and Evan; special friend and co-worker LaMonica Davis, as well as many more family and friends. We will miss Denise every day. The impact she made in the Akron Public School system is like no other. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on FRIDAY, June 14, 2024 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., where the funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on FRIDAY with Pastor Sean Yusten officiating. Burial and committal services will follow at Glendale Cemetery, Akron, OH.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333