Wilberforce University
In Loving Memory of Jamye Coleman Williams, Class of 1938
The family of Jamye Coleman Williams requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to her beloved alma mater Wilberforce University.
Story
Jamye Coleman Williams, age 103, of Atlanta, GA, answered the call and went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Wilberforce University is proud to salute one of its illustrious alums. Jamye Coleman was born December 15, 1918, in Louisville, Kentucky. Because her father was an African Methodist Episcopal minister, young Jamye's life in the AME church began immediately. A few months before her 16th birthday, she arrived at what was then Wilberforce College, graduating with honors and a degree in English in 1938. She enrolled immediately at Fisk University from which she received a master's degree, also in English, in 1929.
Her desire to share her love for education was the inspiration to become a teacher at four A.M.E. colleges - Edward Waters, Shorter, Morris Brown, and her alma mater, Wilberforce. After she received her Ph.D. in speech communication from The Ohio State University, she accepted a teaching position at Tennessee State University, becoming a full professor of communications, then taking over as head of that department, serving in that capacity until her retirement in 1987.
Her career in the AME Church had a similar, brisk trajectory. She quickly climbed the ranks, serving as a delegate to the general conference before becoming a board member of the National Council of Churches in the late 1960s. From the mid-70s to the mid-80s, Jayme was an alternate member of the Church's Judicial Council, becoming the 13th District Lay Organizations president.
Her proficiency in English and speech led her to selection as the editor of The AME Church Review, the oldest African American literary journal. As a trailblazer, Jayme paved the way for Vashti McKenzie to become the first woman elected a bishop in the AME Church.
In the nearly half-century that she spent in Nashville, Dr. Williams was an active member of her community, working with diverse community groups and organizations, receiving the NAACP's Presidential Award, one of the scores of accolades she has received throughout her career. Married to McDonald Williams, they have a daughter Donna, a grandson, and two great-granddaughters.