Alpha Mae Ferrell Kiner Williams
June 14, 1937 - July 4, 2024
Alpha Mae Ferrell Kiner Williams was born June 14, 1937 in Pulaski, Illinois, the daughter of Paul Ferrell, Sr. and Evangelist Creasie Ingram.
She was the youngest of 6 children born to their union. Her oldest sister called her Baby and always vowed to watch over her. Her father passed at a young age. Her mother married, Mr. Charles Edward Moore, Sr. and to that union was born Charles Edward Moore, Jr. Alpha Mae refused to relinquish the title of Baby…so there were two babies in the family.
After the untimely death of her mother, Alpha Mae and her siblings were taken in by their aunt, Mrs. Willie E Shorter.
In 1951, she then moved to Kingsford Heights, Indiana, to be with her older siblings. One day she caught the eye of a young man named Odie Kiner. They fell in love and were married. They moved to Michigan City, Indiana and began their family. They were blessed with 8 wonderful children.
Later in life she married James Leslie Williams on April 23, 1976.
Alpha Mae devoted he life to her family. She believed the keys to success in life, were first God and second education. She stressed this to her children and grandchildren. She personally tutored her grandchildren, and she was able to see the fruits of her labor. Not only did she tutor her grandchildren, but other children in the neighborhood. She was called the “Lakeland Tutor”.
She held numerous jobs: from Long Beach Country Club to Red Oaks Nursing Home. Alpha Mae pursued a career in the medical field. She was employed by St Anthony Hospital.
She loved helping others and worked there until she retired. Alpha Mae loved the Lord and served him faithfully. Alpha began working for Christ at an early age. She and her siblings traveled with their mother, singing at various churches throughout Southern Illinois and Missouri. They were called “The Ferrell Children”. One of Alpha Mae’s fondest childhood memories was the “Church Tree”. When they unable get to church, they would gather around a big tree in the yard and have church. They had…a jumping, shouting time.
Alpha gave her life to Christ in 1963 and joined Hatchett Temple Church Of God In Christ where she worked faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Rommie Hatchett and State Mother Beulah Hatchett. She served faithfully for 19 years. She was active in the Sunday School Department, Young Women Christian Council, Church Choir, Purity Department, Home Foreign Missions, Sewing Circle, YPWW, and Church Nurses…doing all to the glory of God.
She later attended Zion Temple Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Elder Pastor Roger and Mother Lula Mae Kelly, where she continued to work for the lord. She added to mantel Missionary, Bible Study Teacher, and Mothers Board. After the passing of Elder Kelly, Alpha Mae served under the leadership Pastor Lula Mae Kelly and Overseer Bishop Donald Alfred of Pentecostal Cathedral Church Of God In Christ in South Bend, Indiana.
Mother Williams counseled many young people at church, and many came to her home for prayer and sought her wisdom. She always kept her bible near and was an astute bible teacher. She loved to clean, sew and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed rides in the country and loved vanilla ice cream. She will be remembered for her cooking; fried gizzards, “The Alpha Burger”, peach cobbler and those sweet potato pies.
Mother Alpha Mae was promoted from Earth to glory on July 4, 2024.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; one daughter: Carmen Elise Kiner; one son: Edward Carvelle Kiner; three brothers; Paul Ferrell Jr., Elder Archie Lee Ferrell and Charles Edward Moore, Jr. (Pugh); three sisters: Jennette Ferrell, Pastor Lula Mae Kelly and Mother Arizona Fleming.
She leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters: Euna (Ricky) Gooden and Sherry Kiner, both of Michigan City, Indiana; four sons: Kevin Sr. (Kimberly) Kiner, of South Bend, Indiana; Keith Kiner, of O’Fallon, Illinois; Brett Kiner of Michigan City, Indiana and Corey Kiner (friend Tina Newton) of Michigan City, Indiana; A special brother-in-law: Edward Kiner, of Canton, Mississippi; A special daughter-n-law: Gloria Kiner, of Michigan City, Indiana; God Daughter, Tamara McCullough, of Terre Haute, Indiana; God Son: Kalinn Kiner Williams, of Detroit, Michigan; special daughter: Tiffany Newhouse of South Bend, Indiana; Special Son: Jerid Wireman, of South Bend, Indiana. She leaves a Legacy of 19 grandchild, 26 great grandchildren and a host of relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory.
A Celebration of life will be Saturday, July 13, 2024 1pm at Life Temple COGIC 3707 W. US HWY 20 LaPorte, Indiana 46350 with Bishop Donald Alford to be Eulogist. Viewing will be 12 noon until time of service. Interment will be Monday, July 15, 2024 11am Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.
