Doris Anne Williams Thomas , 89 years young, passed peacefully away on January 6, 2020 

A self-proclaimed “small but mighty” woman, she let her light shine as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A twin, Doris was born December 17,1930, to Milton E. and Agnes R. (Fitzpatrick) Williams on a homestead in Deer Norfolk Virgina . She grew up in Newark Nj with twin brother Milton and younger brothers Donald and Frank, Bergen street Elementary School and Southside High School in Newark . Doris  met future husband Edward, an electrical engineering student at the Rutgers university  while she was an economics student at Hudson county College. Upon earning their degrees, Ed joined the U.S. Navy and they married in April 1945. Doris put her degree to use, first, at the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst and, ultimately, throughout the many years of raising their nine children. When asked if she was a housewife, she often responded by saying she was more of a “domestic engineer.” She was an active member of the Redford Suburban League, the mission of which was to raise money to help physically challenged children and to create lasting bonds of friendship. Along with her bustling family, Doris was also a longtime and faithful member of St. Valentine’s Catholic Church in Redford Township. Ed’s employment with Ex-Cello Micromatic brought the couple and their youngest four children to Holland for just two years in the early ‘70s, after which they made their home in Farmington Hills. But she and Ed returned to Waukazoo Woods in 1985 to enjoy their retirement. They found a loving community of like-minded friends at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and, later, in the Village at Appledorn retirement community.Doris loved her God, her husband, and her children. She liked Vernors ginger ale, cashews, chocolate-covered caramels, bowling, and the color purple. 

She is survived by her devoted husband of 75 years, Ed; sons Lawrence (Linda), James (Sharon), Thomas (Cynthia), and Donald (Carrie); daughters Patricia  (Williams ) Peterson, Carolyn (Robert) Witte, Anne , MaryLou (Scott) Bagladi, and Catherine. Ruth was immensely proud of 16 grandchildren—spread from Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, to Tennessee, New Jersey , California,—and seven great-grandchildren Isiah Williams, Kamoree love , Elijah k. Williams, khaheem  Mchellon , Tyrese Williams ,Yarnae  Williams ,Shakir Johnson , Mahdee Rose , Jason Dawson 

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers. 

Her body has been willed to the University hospital of Newark Nj. Local  viewing or funeral service is scheduled at Perry funeral home There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt.Zion Baptist church