Saturday, August 3, 2019
I am saddened at the demise of Mrs. Tobizena H. Brown Williams who inspired me as a church musician during my formative years. Mrs. Williams was the pianist at the Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas, from her youth until she graduated from Bishop College. Mrs. Manina Fullalove, my grandmother, was a member and contralto soloist of the Senior Choir at Oak Grove under Mrs. Williams' direction. It was a pure delight for me to visit my grandmother in the summers and attend Oak Grove. Mrs. Williams and the choir would sing with so much spirit that people would shout throughout the congregation. I paid close attention to every chord and musical nuance that emanated from Mrs. Williams. Furthermore, Mrs. Annie Laura Brown Bowie, Mrs. Williams' sister, would come to Oak Grove and play the piano as well. The same night that I received the B. M. degree in music from North Texas State University, Mrs. Williams received the M.M. degree in music education. When Mrs. Lillie Brown, Mrs. Williams' mother, died, my grandmother sang for the funeral, as she was a close family friend to the Browns. I have held a doctoral degree in music for 38 years. Mrs. Williams was an instrumental influence on me as I accomplished this milestone. Mrs. Bobbie Jean Johns, a sister of Mrs. Williams and a resident of Beaumont, Texas, has been a supporter of the recitals that I have presented in that area throughout the years. On this day of celebration of the legacy and life of Mrs. Williams, I thank God for her contributions to the music world through teaching, conducting, and accompanying. I am confident that her gift and love of music will continue to live through her students, family, and friends.
