Aquilla G. Williams

Aquilla Border Smith Guy Williams was born on January 8, 1925 in Camilla, Georgia, to Lillie Mae Butler and Parnell Smith and departed this life on June 10, 2026 in Phenix City, Alabama.

Aquilla’s early childhood was spent mostly in Camilla with her father, several aunts, and cousins. She was the youngest of five children: Annie Lois Carrington, Estella Williams, Cedric Smith, and Johneal Smith. Aquilla Border Smith went to Rockdale High School in Camilla and graduated May 26, 1944. She continued her social education studies at Spelman College but completed a Bachelor of Arts at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1949 where she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University and later received her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of South Carolina.

The Korean War had begun, and Aquilla retuned home after college. She applied to become a Red Cross Worker overseas and served at Camp Gifu, Japan, where she met her first husband Addeliar Dell Guy III. The fruitful marriage produced four children: MAJ (Ret.) Addeliar Dell Guy, IV; Patricia Denise Guy; Pamela Denise Guy, DVM; and Michael Lawrence Guy. Through her children, Aquilla was further blessed with six grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.

In 1985, Aquilla married Staff Sergeant Theopers Williams. Through this marriage, she also embraced a stepson and grandson as part of her extended family.

A woman of deep faith, Aquilla was a born-again Christian who loved the Lord and dedicated much of her life to ministry. She established a retirement home ministry for the elderly at Magnolia Home in Phenix City, Alabama, where she provided spiritual guidance, comfort, and care to many.

Professionally, Aquilla devoted her life to education, leadership, and service. She was a gifted educator, mentor, and administrator who inspired countless students and colleagues. Known for her strength, wisdom, and high standards, she was both a trusted guide and a formidable leader.

She was also a trailblazer within Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as a plank holder of the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter and its first president during 1966-1967. Her leadership and commitment to service left a legacy within the organization.

She was an accomplished scholar, devoted mother, mentor, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and woman of God. Dr. Aquilla Border Smith Guy Williams lived an extraordinary life. Her influence extended far beyond her family, impacting communities and individuals wherever she went.

Aquilla is preceded in death by siblings Estelle Williams, Lois Carrington, Cedric Smith, Johneal Smith, and mother Lillie Mae Butler.

She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, SSG Theopers Williams; sons, MAJ Addeliar Dell Guy, IV and Mr. Michael Lawrence Guy; daughter, Dr. Pamela Guy; grandsons, Amir Guy, Captain Keery Guy, Dr. Andrew Anderson, Attorney Christopher Guy, Mr. Addeliar Dell Guy V, and Mr. Lawrence Guy; a host of great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Services will be streamed on Auburn Heights Church Facebook page. See Link Below 

Funeral Services Stream

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