1979 was a year of huge innovative inventions and creations; creations that changed the trajectory of human existence and made huge impacts on the world. On December 7, 1979, God saw fit to bless the world with one of His greatest creations and sent a beautiful, bubbly ray of sunshine to add love and laughter to all who would be blessed to encounter her. Harolyn Latorria Leslie-Williams, born to the late Harold Leslie and Drusilla Nance and making her then one-year old sister, LaNisha, a big sister. Harolyn affectionately became known as “Baybee” and immediately solidified her place as an unapologetic creation of God who danced to the beat of her own drum. Having fulfilled her destiny, Harolyn, believing His Word and trusting His way, took the Master’s hand in the wee hours of February 5, 2024 and received His promise of eternal rest. As word spread of her passing, family, friends, colleagues and her beloved students immediately felt the void that her impact was, is and will always be great, just the way God intended.
HER EARLY YEARS
Harolyn confessed hope in Christ at a youthful age and was baptized at the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama by Pastor Michael Hartwell. She was a resolute member as she could be seen scurrying around to provide laughter and support to various youth and young adult organizations. Harolyn attended Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church and New Harvest Church of Christ both in Montgomery, Alabama as an adult.
As a child, it became pretty evident to Harold and Drusilla that their youngest child was not one to color in black and white. Her personality was full of vibrant color, and she was not afraid to be herself and showcase her unique, bright style even as a little girl. Attached at the hip to big sis, Nisha, the two were inseparable, so much so that when you saw one, you saw the other and they respectfully became one name, “NishaBaybee”. Their sister bond became more like a twin bond and grew into adulthood.
HER EDUCATION
Harolyn matriculated through Huntsville City Schools and became a 1998 graduate of Lee High School. Her love for education led her to Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, a Master of Education in English Language Arts, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. At the time of her transition, she was working on her Doctor of Education at South College. Harolyn’s zest for life led her to participate in numerous collegiate activities. She became a member of The Order of Eastern Star, Alabama Education Association (AEA) and was initiated into the Beta Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in May of 2004.
HER CAREER
Harolyn adored teaching and was in her calling as she was awarded “Teacher of the Month” multiple times throughout her twenty-year career teaching English, Language Arts and Reading in several school districts, including Lowndes County, South Fulton County, Elmore County and Montgomery Public Schools. She taught Voice and Diction and Public Speaking at Alabama State University. Harolyn was a founding partner of Guard Your Man (G.Y.M.), a non-profit organization established to provide mentorship and unique educational opportunities to underserved youth by harnessing the power of athletics to instill principles of teamwork, leadership, character, and resilience. She created the Communications and the Full Court Reading and Math Tutoring Programs. She also taught Voice and Diction and Public Speaking to these young athletes. Bringing her brilliant light to these programs and her teachings, the words “and” and “umm” were not allowed to be used in her classes.
LOVE OF HER LIFE
Harolyn’s radiant smile, dreamy eyes and sassy walk caught the attention of University of Alabama alum, Derik Williams, after he spotted her at Bell Station parking lot in February 2008. Derik attempted to get Harolyn’s attention, but his attempts proved futile as she would not give him the time of day. So, he just simply left his business card on her windshield and to his surprise, she called! “The rest is history” as they say, and the two became Mr. and Mrs. Derik Williams on July 10, 2010, and they cherished, loved, and respected each other every day until Harolyn’s last breath in this Earthly realm. Though Harolyn was a magnificent teacher, in her heart, (being an avid sports fan) she was a sports analyst. Derik turned her on to Alabama football and she became a huge Alabama fan so much so that she and Derik wore matching Alabama t-shirts each game.
Harolyn adored Derik as much as he adored her. Every morning, before leaving for work, Harolyn wrote Derik personalized motivational and inspirational notes to get him through the day. She truly invested in her marriage and loved and supported her husband at every turn, even paying homage to Derik’s mother, her Soror, Martha Ann Melton Williams, (who passed away when Derik was young) by visiting her grave with pink roses and ivy each AKA Founder’s Day and singing their sorority hymn. Derik will forever cherish, love, and respect his beautiful wife, his queen, and his reason why.
JUST HER
Harolyn leaves behind memories of her infectious personality and her uncanny ability to make you love her without even knowing her first. A proper-talking, generous, kindhearted, considerate, strong-willed, determined, creative soul was always eager with energetic energy to share, to love, to have fun and make jokes. A true creative, she loved reading, writing, dancing, cooking, shopping, recording videos, traveling, and watching her recorded shows. She also loved the beach.
Before her transition into the eternal hereafter, Harolyn fought a brave and courageous battle for life with positivity and grace. Never wavering in faith, never complaining, she charged on like the soldier she was and even had the audacity to always check on others when she was not doing so well herself. Her mother, Drusilla, is beyond proud of her baby girl and all that she accomplished in her time here. Her pride also beams in the fact that she raised a beautiful soul whose light was brilliant and will forever shine. Harolyn came into the world unapologetically Baybee and went back Home a Champion!
HER LEGACY
Harolyn is preceded in death by her father, Harold Leslie; paternal grandparents, Elder James Percy and Earlene (Turner) Leslie and her maternal grandmother Elizabeth (Bone) Nance.
Harolyn leaves to cherish precious memories a loving and devoted husband, Derik T. Williams, Montgomery, Alabama; a compassionate and strong mother, Drusilla Nance, Huntsville, Alabama; a protective sister, LaNisha S. Leslie, Huntsville, Alabama; grandfather, Joe L. Nance, Huntsville, Alabama; four aunts: Shirley (Ray) Caudle, Ruby (Charlie) Sledge, Demetreis Johnson, all of Huntsville, Alabama and Sheila Turner, Prairieville, Louisiana; six uncles: James T. Leslie, Thaddeus (Alberta) Nance, Michael Leslie, Kenneth Leslie, Timothy Leslie, and Ricky (Ammie) Leslie, all of Huntsville, Alabama; supportive father and mother-in-law, Tommy Earl and Aurelia Williams Sr., Huntsville, Alabama; three brothers-in-law: Tommy Earl “Chess” (Stephanie) Williams Jr., Atlanta, GA, Marlon Dickerson, Mobile, Alabama and Brian Patrick (Valencia) Williams, Montgomery, Alabama; a host of loved ones including nieces, nephews, great aunts, great uncles, cousins, friends, sorority sisters, classmates, coworkers, students, neighbors and church members.
Harolyn’s legacy and the love she bestowed are immortalized through the lineage of her devoted family and friends who will forever miss and adore her.
The arrangements for Mrs. Harolyn Leslie-Williams will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church (380 Indian Creek Road NW Huntsville, AL 35806) with Elder Timothy M. Rainey officiating. Interment will be in the Valley View Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Leslie-Williams will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Leslie-Williams family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Royal Chapel of Memories. The Leslie-Williams will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., today, Monday, February 12th, at the Royal Chapel of Memories. The Ivy Beyond Wall Ceremony for Mrs. Harolyn Leslie-Williams will be at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 12, 2024, with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Rho Chi Omega Chapter Madison, AL in charge. The ceremony is open to her family, friends and the public.
Public viewing will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 12, 2024, and 8:30 until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Royal Funeral Home.
