Victoria Ann Williams

Victoria “Vickie” Ann Denmon was born on July 29, 1952, in Taylor, Texas, to Ruby Mae Hooper Denmon and Eric Denmon, Jr. She joined St. Johns College Heights Baptist Church in her early teen years where she was baptized along with some of her cousins in the river. She then joined the College Heights choir and blossomed as a singer and leader under the direction of Sis. Ruthie Clark Hendricks. Vickie absolutely loved singing and continued at College Heights under the leadership of Pastor Brown and Pastor Reed.

She married Billy J. Williams on January 22, 1971, and to this union three children were born: Everette “Darnell” Williams, Billy J. Williams Jr., and Tromone D. Williams. After their divorce in 1979, she met Rickey McKinley and to this union two daughters were born: ReNisha D. McKinley and LeKisha Q. McKinley. She loved having a big family, was a devoted mother (and, eventually, grandmother, too), and adored all of her children, just as they adored her.

She worked for the State of Texas at night for a while, until she moved to a daytime position at Travis County Tax Assessor's Office. She worked at the Office of Attorney General for a while, and then eventually moved on to her perfect fit at the offices of Child, Incorporated, where she remained for 20 years until her health gave way.

The first group that was formed along with Vickie was the Guyton Singers, which consisted of all sisters and cousins: Brenda Guyton and Ruth Davis (sisters), Vickie Williams and Barbara Houston (sisters), Dorthy Hunter (cousin).

Never resting on loving to sing and always embracing her love of music, God and her family, she brought together her immediate family to form the renowned and much-applauded gospel group "The Voices of Zion"-- where her life’s philosophy born of scripture “We walk by faith, not by sight” was truly exemplified. The group consisted of her mom, Ruby, two sisters Barbara and Brenda, with Etoise McDonald as the musician; contributing musicians were Norma Carothers, Brenda Smith, and occasionally cousins Sylvester and Morris Thompson of The Thompson Singers.

After sickness in the group, Vickie began her solo career all over Texas and, on a few occasions, in California during revival where she rendered the music for a week of services. She sang at weddings, homegoing services, company holiday parties and events--you name it she was there. She was a member of the Austin Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America under Adrian “Ace” Reed’s direction; a travelling gospel group along with her cousin Joe, and recorded music on Saturdays for the churches without choirs. Vickie could never get enough of singing, and would only use that rich, powerful voice to praise and testify to God’s greatness, grace, and refuge—which all gave her the strength she needed throughout life. Anyone who heard her and knew her, knew that the words she sang were not just lyrics to a song—it was always a full testimony of praise and thankfulness.

Last, but not least, she was a faithful and steadfast member to Eastside Baptist Church where she was the Director of Music and President. She loved her Pastor, Rev. Leland G. Dandridge, and walked by his side as a committed sister in Christ for over 30 years—and even as her pastor, she would still give him the eye when he hit the wrong notes. She appreciated her choir members and was grateful for their showing up and lifting their voices in praise with her every Sunday. It never mattered how many were there in number, she still gave her all and led them—few in number but strong in faith. Sister Dandridge was thought of as a “sister” in the family, and these two together made some of the most beautiful and spiritually-rich music you could ever hear. Eastside started out at the fire station off of Old Manor Rd. just as a visit that Vickie’s daughter, LeKisha, suggested. And from that day, she stayed on her post at Eastside Baptist Church—always living in the trust of God’s direction: “We walk by faith, not by sight”.

Vickie is preceded in death by her mom and dad, Ruby Hooper Denmon and Eric Denmon Jr.

She leaves to cherish her most precious, loving and smiling memories, all of Austin, Texas, her sons, Everette Darnell Williams (Gwen), Billy J. Williams Jr. (Aisha), Tromone Williams (Candice); her daughters, ReNisha D. McKinley and LeKisha Q. McKinley; her sisters, Barbara Denmon Houston, Brenda Fresch, and Erica Denmon; one brother, Charles Denmon; her grandchildren, Dorian “EJ” Williams, Deverette Williams, Edgerrin Williams, Devon Williams, Kiana Williams, Jasmine Barbery, Malik Williams, Billy Williams, Kevon Williams, AccAsia McKinley-Howard, Taverion Brown, Terryon Brown, Araeluh Brown, Treasure Williams, TJ Williams, McKalex Alexander, Mauriciana Backey, Maya Backey; special daughter-in-law, Keva Williams; two aunts, Glennis Denmon and Eunice Joseph; ten great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To God be the Glory for a life lived with family, devotion and always with faith and divine grace!

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