Coya Williams

Coya Williams, born January 11, 1963, peacefully gained her wings to watch us from above on December 18, 2022, in Essex, Maryland. Born in Stockton, Maryland, as Coya Crippen, to William Teagle and Virginia Mary Crippen, she spent most of her years in Salisbury, Maryland. Still, she was also a resident of other locations in Maryland, e.g., Ocean City, Delmar, Berlin, Fruitland, Baltimore, and Keene, New Hampshire.

Coya grew up in Stockton, Maryland, and when older, she always recounted stories of waking early to work in the cucumber field and watching after her younger sister, Carol. She was given responsibilities as a child, thus fostering her independent personality that would guide her future decisions and accomplishments.

She graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and worked as a geriatric nursing assistant and certified medicine aide throughout the Eastern Shore and Baltimore, Maryland, with over 32 years of experience. Once Coya could no longer work in the healthcare industry due to her health, she continued to do what she loved, helping others by driving a taxi in Ocean City, Maryland. 

Coya married a "Dix" and a "Williams" but eventually divorced both surnames. In her free time, Coya enjoyed spending time with family and friends the most. It was typical to find her at a friend’s house 'visiting and catching up.' She enjoyed sharing her love and joy for the Lord with people and attended Greater Higher Hope Temple of Apostolic Faith and Mt. Calvary Apostolic Church. She also loved to play the piano and cook Sunday dinners for her family. One of the most honorable traits Coya had an encouraging spirit. Even if she didn’t know a person, she would be sure to let them know that she believed in whatever they wanted to do and would even provide them with a resource if she had one. Another fact about Coya is that she loved to be the element of surprise for people. She would make it her business to pick up small things someone for everyday use, whether it be socks, washcloths, oven mitts, or even a scarf. She always thought of people and how she could gift them things to make their lives easier with an item or a word of encouragement reinforced by Scripture.

Coya had an optimistic view of life no matter the circumstance. She always weathered the storm with a smile on her face, and she wishes for us to do the same because this, too, shall pass. Coya will forever remain with us in our hearts, our minds, and our souls for a lifetime. Until we meet again, may she rest in peace in her paradise.

She is survived by her two elder sisters, Romona and Konya Crippen, as well as her six children, one adopted child, and two bonus children (Coya Dix, Navetoria Dix, Perry Dix Jr., Startoria Dix, Dachanda Williams, Dwight Williams Jr., Amanda Faulcon, Sierra Williams, and Covington Foreman). She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Her surviving grandchildren, nieces, and nephews include Donnell Dix, Dontez Dix, Dazavion Dix, Taronn Rounds Jr., Terronte Johnson, Antwan Anderson Jr., Keith Parker Jr., Jurni Barkley, Royal Williams, Konya Crippen, Keisha Crippen, Nicole Crippen, Brandon Crippen, Donnie Crippen, and Brian Triplett.

Coya was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Johnson, her brother, Clay Crippen, grandsons, Jona Barkley and Marcos Gonzales; and granddaughter, Jayden Gonzales.

Lovingly Submitted by, The Family

Note: Howell & Jolley Memorial Chapel, P.A. will comply with the COVID-19 rules regarding masks. Therefore, anyone attending the viewing and/or funeral services must wear a mask. 

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