Harriet Womack-11-29-2021

Harriet Williams Womack, age 93 years of age, born September 2, 1928, departed life from this realm of existence in her sleep during the early morning hours of Sunday, November 14, 2021, while hospitalized at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ.

Harriet was born in Sumpter, SC.  In 1936, her mother Edith Ricks brought 8 year old Harriet to Asbury Park, NJ and raised her as her oldest child along with 5 siblings: Sidney, Eleanor, Robbie, Chester and Dorothy.  Harriet became a life-long resident of Asbury Park.

Harriet attended Bangs Avenue School and completed her education at Asbury Park High School.  During her teen years, in the 1940's Harriet joined her family's church-Allen Chapel, AME and had been a dedicated member of the church and servant of the Lord all her life.  She loved Allen Chapel, her church family, and dedicated more than 80 years of service.

In 1953, Harriet married the late Charles Womack.  One of the first families to dwell in the newly constructed Boston Way Village, there, Harriet raised her two daughters Peggy and Sandra.  Eventually divorced, she endured hardships while raising her two girls; however, she worked two jobs simultaneously - a Nurse's Aide at Monmouth Medical Center and cleaning houses part time.  Harriet loved the job at the hospital.  In her element, she thrived.  Harriet was naturally a kind, compassionate, caring and loving person, so taking care of the sick was meaningful and very rewarding to her on a personal level.  She eventually became a Teacher's Aide at ICCC Head Start in Red Bank, NJ.

During the 1960's, Harriet became very active in service to the church and the community.  For our family, it was always "Ma" of "Mom" everybody went to for help, solace and guidance.  At Allen Chapel, Harriet served as a member of the Sunday school, choir and Young People's Division (YPD).  She was the founder and organizer of the Allen Youth Choir as well as an active member of the Steward Board.  She continued her service with the Church as a Christian Educator, Ministry of Music, member of the Lay Organization, Dance Ministry Music Coordinator, and YPD Director.

"Ms. Harriet" has served the community of Asbury Park for more than 60 years helping the youth population with organizing several clubs and organizations, including the Reneo's, the Trypaques, the All Stars, and the Shoredettes.  She hosted fashion shows, talent shows, slumber parties, and was the Boston Way Village mentor for a myriad of youths.

In Harriet's old age, she didn't want to completely relinquish working with children, so she worked as a crossing guard at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Asbury Park.  Harriet lived a long life and was dearly loved by her children.

She is predeceased by Johnie & Laura Williams (biological parents); mother Edith Ricks; sisters Willia Mae Robinson, Eleanor Byrd & Dorothy Ricks; brothers Johnny "Boogie" Williams, Robert "Robbie" Ricks, and Bobby "Chester" Ricks.

Harriet leaves to mourn and celebrate her life: 2 daughters, Peggy Williams and Sandra Dow; 1 granddaughter, Rasheedah Carty; 1 great-granddaughter, Najla Williams and 1 great-grandson, Taj Carty.  She is survived by her brother, Sidney Ricks; aunt, Essie Mae Williams; uncle Nicholas Williams; 2 sisters-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren; numerous cousins and many friends.