Caroline Williams

Caroline Williams, affectionately known as "Mommy Carolyne," was the only daughter of three children born to the late Howard Tolifero Sr. and the late Myrtle Archer on January 31, 1932, in Trenton, NJ. A lifelong resident of the area, she entered eternal rest at the age of 93, peacefully at her home in Lawrence, NJ, surrounded by the love of "her daughters".

A woman of deep faith and quiet strength, she embodied the promise of Isaiah 61:3, believing in beauty from ashes and trusting God's power to redeem and restore all things. Known for finding treasures in thrift shops, she saw value where others saw none, whether in a chipped Lenox china or in the heart of a person in need of encouragement, prayer, or unconditional love. Her steady presence, gentle wisdom, keen discernment, and unwavering devotion to her family leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

She graduated from Trenton Central High School (Black Team), where she studied home nursing, in 1950. She later worked as a supervisor at Trenton Custodial Services, retiring after many years of dedicated service. As a child, she attended Shiloh Baptist Church with her grandmother, Caroline "Carrie" Tolifero. In 1951, she married Kenneth Williams and became a devoted member of St. Paul A.M.E.Z. Church. She found joy in spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, and she especially loved babysitting, bingo, football, game shows, thrift store shopping, and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Tolifero Sr. and Myrtle Archer; her brothers, Howard Tolifero Jr. and Payton Taliferro; her daughter, Diane Williams; and her granddaughter, Shonda Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughters, Delores Burkes (Vernon) and Janice Stevens (Larry); ten grandchildren, Nicole Williams, Tyhesha Elmore (Dillard), LaShona Bridgewater (Leo Sr.), Nisha Williams, Chanon Peterson (Ashley), La Tesha Stevens, Brittany Williams, Shakiera

Stevens, Lawrence Stevens (Lynemarie), and Jordan Stevens; and nine great-grandchildren, Kanaiya Williams, Leo Bridgewater Jr., Karys Elmore, Daniel Lewis, Mya Peterson, Dilyn Elmore, Langston Bridgewater, Jai'Leigh Walston, and Jason Walston.

Funeral service will be 1pm Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at St Paul A.M.E. Zion Church, 1130 Lower Ferry Rd, Ewing, NJ 08618.  Calling hour will be 12pm until the time of service. Interment will be private. 

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