Hilda Lydia Williams (Charles) Obituary (1921 - 2020)

Hilda Lydia Charles Williams was born on July 6, 1921 to the late Mike and Olevia Rousseau Charles in St. Rose, LA. She departed from her earthly home on Monday, April 13, 2020. She was married to the late Charles Edward Williams for forty-five years. Hilda had eight siblings: Warrence Charles, Edgar Charles, Madeline Charles Frankling, Wilfred Charles Sr., Leonce Charles, Mike Charles, Lucille Charles Smith, Herman (Brenda) Charles and Doris Charles (Wilbert) Marbley. She graduated from McDonogh 35 High School in New Orleans, then attended and graduated from Xavier University of New Orleans. After obtaining her degree in Education from Xavier University she taught for a little while then she joined the U.S. Army and became an Army Surgical Technician during World War II. She was an accomplished lady. After completing her tour with the Army, she attended and received her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from Howard University in 1950, and a Master's degree from Louisiana State University School of Nursing in 1958. She was a surgical Registered Nurse at the New Orleans Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital. While there, she was one of the nurses in the operating room when the first heart transplant was performed at their hospital. During her later years at the VA, she became the Director of Nursing Education. In that position, she wrote a training manual for the nurses of the facility. She was a life member of Chi Eta Phi, Rho Chi Chapter Nursing Sorority. There she serviced as the Past Middle South Regional Director and as a National Organizer. Hilda was an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in New Orleans, LA, later renamed St. Katherine Drexel. While at Holy Ghost, she was active in many of the ministries and served as a Eucharist Minister, visiting the sick and serving communion to the sick and shut-ins. During her life, she was a member of the Vougettes Social and Pleasure Club and she traveled abroad extensively. Hilda traveled to various countries in Africa, Italy, Israel, China, Russia, France and many more. She lived a full life. As with many of New Orleans residents, Hurricane Katrina forced her from her home in New Orleans and later her health began to fail. At the time of her transition she had been a resident of Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home for 11 years. She was known as Miss Hilda and when Miss Hilda spoke everybody listened. Sincere thanks to the nurses and staff for their love, care and concern. She leaves to cherish her beloved nephew Eldred W. Smith and a host of other nieces, nephews, God children and cousins. Her favorite saying was "Tell my family I love them dearly". She will be missed. To share condolences and thoughts, and to sign guest book, please visit: www.treasurefunerals.com Final care entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Highway, Gramercy, LA 70052. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE!"