Vira Kennedy Williams' Obituary
Vira Kennedy Williams was born in Hartford, CT to Charles Leonard Kennedy & Maude Warring Kennedy. She was the eldest of three children. The family later moved to New Haven, CT where she completed her elementary and secondary education. Vira received her B.S. Degree from Bennett College with a Major in Chemistry and Biology. She graduated from Boston University of Medical Technology and worked for a few years at Brookline Hospital for Women before moving to Washington, D. C.
Vira attended graduate school studying Biochemistry at Howard University and worked as a Research Assistant at the medical school, where she met and married Matthew A. Williams, a graduating medical student. She obtained a master’s degree in education from USC and received her teaching credentials from USC.
Vira and her family are members of Southeast Community Presbyterian Church and have been members over 50 years. Vira has three daughters: Linda (Michan), Pamela Steele and Nanci Newell (Deceased).
In Vira’s free time, she enjoyed Classic Jazz, Jewelry Making, reading Poetry, attending Plays, and visiting family and friends.
Vira was a strong believer in Community Service. She served on various committees and boards including Children’s Hospital Board, The San Diego Opera Society, The California Medical Society and the California Medical Society Auxiliary Board. Vira was selected to work in Washington D. C. to advocate for medical insurance for children and the Healthy Families Insurance became part of the Medic-Cal Program. She is past President of Las Munecas Auxiliary and chaired The Ebony Fashion Fair on many occasions. Vira was also the past President of the San Diego Tema Sister City Society, The San Diego Civil Service Commission and The San Diego County Medical Alliance. She also served as Medical Career Director for the San Diego School District; Vira taught the first class in medical careers at Lincoln High School. She’s the Founder and past President of The National Association of Civil Service Commissioners. Many will remember Vira’s Tours when she ventured tours. Vira ventured all over Southern California. She enjoyed traveling to Mexico such as Ensenada and Puerto Nuevo to name a few. One of her favorite tours to take was the Bill Pickett Rodeo. Vira was a Soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Epsilon XI Omega Chapter for over 30 years. She was proud of the Sisterhood and the causes they supported.
Vira was called home May 3rd, 2023. She leaves to mourn her sister; Carolyn Robbs (George), Two Daughters; Linda Michan Lucas (Lonnie), and Pamela Steele, all of San Diego, CA; inherited daughters, Lorna Davis of Fresno, CA and Tomiko Dildine of San Francisco. Grandchildren; Edrianna Pierre, Eddeja Page (Marquis) and Leilani Hernandez (Kasey) of Houston, Texas, Wynston Taylor (Oaniella) of Brazil, Allegra Taylor of San Diego, CA, Elizabeth Brown of Long Beach, Aleyse Davis of Fresno, and Miako Dildine of San Francisco, CA ; 9 Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives and friends.
Thank you to Maribel and Maria who lovingly took care of mom for the last 7 years. You both
allowed her to live independently. Your dedication to her will never be forgotten.
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