Ms. Gay Lorain Williams

Gay Lorain Williams of Tampa, FL, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, 1902 W. LaSalle Street, Tampa, FL 33607, with Reverend Dr. Helen L. Johnson-Ford, Officiating.

Gay was born in Tampa, FL, on September 10, 1959, to the late Frank and Ernestine (Clark) Odom.  She attended the public schools of Hillsborough County and graduated with honors from Tampa Bay Vocational Technical High School.  She pursued further education at the University of South Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. 

Gay began her nursing career by interning at Tampa General Hospital, where she later became a full-time employee.  Afterward, she worked for various agencies as a Home Health Nurse.  Nursing was a true calling for Gay, as she exhibited care and compassion for her patients for 40 years before retiring due to health reasons.

Gay was a faithful member of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church.  She served tirelessly in numerous capacities, including, but not limited to, the choir and the health ministry.  She lived an exemplary life for Christ until the Lord called her home on December 21, 2025.

Gay loved her family dearly and she leaves to cherish her memory:  her son, Noah Keaton IV; her daughters, Tracey L. C. Keaton and Dyani N. Williams, all of Tampa; three grandchildren, Lavianna N. Keaton, Serenitie S. Keaton and Daryel L. Kelly, all of Tampa.  She also leaves:  three sisters, Veda Odom Landers (Larry), Alison A. Odom, all of Tampa and Frankye Odom Bell (Derek) of Atlanta GA; one God-brother, Sgt. Paul Scott; two nieces, Alexis R. Landers and Nia A. Furman; one great niece, Ja’Leah R. Lark; three great nephews, Randy A. Miller, Alex W. Miller and Joel A. Rodriguez, all of Tampa; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. 

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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