Birth Date: 1944-12-04

Deceased Date: 2023-01-09

Birth Date: 1941-11-26

Deceased Date: 2023-12-26

Obituary:
Gertrude Marie Williams, affectionately called Trudi, was born November 26, 1941 in Pineville, Louisiana. She was the first child of four children to Althread and Fannie Coleman. She was baptized at an early age at St. James Catholic Church.

An avid learner, Trudi finished Peabody high school and left home to start college at Grambling State University (GSU). She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in French. While at GSU, she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She later earned her Master’s degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.

In 1955, she met the love of her life, Freddie M. Williams. They were married December 27, 1962 in Alexandria, Louisiana. After their wedding, she joined her husband in Los Angeles, CA. From this union they had three children: Sharon, Gina, and Sandra. They raised their children and fellowshipped with the Redondo community for 50+ years where the neighborhood was more than a community… it was and still family.

In Los Angeles, Trudi began her lifetime career as an educator for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) where she taught secondary education levels enriching the lives of thousands of students throughout her 30+ year career.  She retired from Venice High School. She was a teacher, through and through. It was the gift God gave her to inspire all students, young and old alike. Forever the teacher, she always encouraged everyone to do and look their best at all times (“because you never know who’s watching”).  Together in partnership with their life-long friends, Thomas and Margie Bourgeois, they began Fred Tab Child Care Center.

Trudi was a faithful daughter, dedicated wife, intentional sister, loving mother, thoughtful grandmother, caring god-mother, committed cousin, and loyal friend. Family meant everything to her. She made everyone feel welcomed and “at home”. She was just gracious in that way. She loved gatherings with family so much so she spearheaded the very first Batiste Lavalais Sampson (BLS) Family reunion in Los Angeles 30+ years ago. That same passion helped to inspire the inception of the family non-profit, BLS Restoration Education & Historical Association (REHA). 

She had a great sense of humor that could often be seen when imitating others. Some of her favorite past times included, but were not limited to: being a comedian, reading, bowling, listening to music, and playing games while gathering with family and friends.
Trudi was admired and respected by everyone she touched and she will be dearly missed. She had an uncanny way of being both candid and kind, gentle and strong, wise and compassionate. She leaves a legacy of love, friendship, and kindness.

On the morning of December 26, 2022, Trudi got a glimpse of heaven and extended her hand to God, joining her beloved parents, Althread and Fannie, both having preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories and legacy her loving husband and best friend of 60 years, Freddie Williams; three children: Sharon Logan (Rodney), Gina Scott (Peter), Sandra P. Williams and special “nephew-son” Shad Manual; three siblings: Fannie Clara Windom, Alfred Coleman, and Margaret Coleman; three grandchildren: Kendra Shaw (Antoine), Cedric Brown Jr. (Laterra Smith), Jasmine Logan, and Jessica Logan; a great grandchild: Halayah Scott; her aunt and uncle: Marie Wade and Jules Batiste II (Marilyn); and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, god-children and a warm circle of extended family, friends, and neighbors

Birth Date: 1922-06-07

Deceased Date: 2013-12-28

Birth Date: 1964-12-08

Deceased Date: 2018-02-03

Birth Date: 1930-07-29

Deceased Date: 2018-01-05

Birth Date: 1920-03-31

Deceased Date: 2022-03-29