Erin Stephanie Williams

Miss Erin Stephanie Williams was born to Rosemary Mullin Williams and Fred J. Phillips, III on April 19, 1979, in Oxford, Mississippi.

She professed a belief and hope in Christ at an early age and her faith was nurtured at Cypress Grove M.B. Church.

Erin’s talents touched many lives. After graduating from Oxford High School in 1997, she attended Xavier University in New Orleans and later received her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the University of Massachusetts - Boston. She later attended the University of Mississippi and completed work toward her Master’s degree in Pharmacology. Her love of science and the knowledge she gained led her to work for some of the most prestigious health organizations in the world, including the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) Therapy Development Institute Foundation, Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health, and most recently Rockefeller University in New York City. She also enjoyed a short career working for Macy’s Department Store in their Human Resources department and being a consultant for Pampered Chef.

Always an independent, strong, active, resourceful, and beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and friend, Erin’s beautiful smile and laughter lit up our souls. Her biggest passions were her family, her fur-son Coltrane, travel, and music. Family meant everything to Erin. She was the one of us who would consistently reach out to check on people, say hello, share what was going on, and help us all stay connected. The relationship she had with our mother was like no other. Erin was her fierce protector and superb travel partner. They shared an unbreakable bond that brought them both so much joy. 

In 2010, Erin became a “fur mom”. She bought Coltrane from a pet store in the mall and it was love at first sight - for all of us. She quickly became the best “fur mom” ever and as all moms do, she spoiled him with the best of everything. He was more than a pet to her. He was her loyal and faithful companion, that brought her immense joy.

Erin loved to travel and her favorite thing to do was to cruise. With 19 cruises under her belt, she was an expert and helped others book and enjoy them as well. She even started her own travel agency, Sea to Sea Travel, Inc.

Music was a big part of Erin and how she enjoyed life. She attended many concerts and was a huge New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) fan. Since the band’s inception in the late ’80s, Erin has been what they lovingly call their fans, a “Blockhead”. In adulthood, she reignited her love for her favorite boy band and began to attend concerts all over the country. She even did a cruise with them. This love for NKOTB, brought her much joy and a new extended family - including the old school Hip Hop group Naughty by Nature and many close Blockhead friends she spent time with. 

Erin was selfless and put others first. She was fun-loving, outgoing, and vivacious. She was an example to so many and a shining light to all who knew her. Erin’s caring spirit and generous heart could be felt by anyone she came in contact with. She had a special gift of not only seeing the good in people but bringing out the best in them. When you think of Erin, celebrate the good memories you have of her.

On Monday, April 17th, In Queens, NY, Miss Erin Stephanie Williams, age 43, was called to go home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Erin S. Williams -child of the King, devoted daughter, most incredible sister, best auntie, loving niece, granddaughter, cousin, and a beautiful friend is survived by her mother, Rosemary M. Williams, her father Fred J. Phillips, III, her sister Jenerra Williams, her fur baby, Coltrane, her nephew, Dominic Gates, her niece, Amber Keizer, her great-niece, Riley Gates, her aunt, Stephanie Frieson, her uncle, William Earl Mullin, dear friends Kelly Keefe and Daphne Nazire and many cousins, other family members and fabulous friends she admired and adored.

She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Earl Mullin, Jr., grandmother, Elizabeth Mullin, aunt, Sandra Mullin, uncle, Kenneth Mullin, great aunt, Marion Kelly, and niece, Kimberly Frieson.