Vira Kennedy Williams was born July 24, 1928, in Hartford, Connecticut to Charles Leonard Kennedy and Maude Warring Kennedy. She was the eldest of three. The family later moved to New Haven, Connecticut where she completed her elementary and secondary education.
She received her B.S. Degree from Bennett College with a major in chemistry and biology. She graduated from Boston University of Medical Technology where she worked a few years at Brookline Hospital for Women before moving to Washington, D.C. She attended graduate school studying Biochemistry at Howard University and worked as a research assistant at the medical school. There she met and married Matthew A. Williams, a graduating medical student. She also received a Master’s Degree in education and received her teaching credentials from USC.
Vira and her family attended Southeast Community Presbyterian Church where they have been members for over 50 years. Vira has three daughters, Linda (Michan) Lucas, Pamela Steele, and Nanci WIlliams Newell (deceased). In Vira’s free time, she enjoyed classic jazz, jewelry making, reading, poetry, attending plays, and visiting with family and friends.
Vira was a strong believer in community service. She served on various committees and boards including the Children’s Hospital Board, the San Diego Opera Society, the California Medical Society and the California Medical Society Auxiliary Board. Vira was selected to work in Washington, D.C. to advocate for medical insurance for children and the Healthy Families Insurance became part of the Medi-Cal program. She chaired the Ebony Fashion Fair on many occasions and was the past president for the Las Munecas Auxiliary, Tema Sister City Society, The San Diego Civil Service Commission, and The San Diego County Medical Alliance.
She also served as the medical career director for the San Diego Unified School District where she taught the first class in medical careers at Lincoln High School. She was the founder and past president of the National Association of Civil Services Commissioners. Vira was a Soror of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter for over 30 years. She was very proud of her sisterhood and the causes they supported.
Many will remember Vira’s tours. She ventured all over Southern California. She also enjoyed traveling to cities in Mexico, such as Ensenada and Puerto Nuevo to name a few. One of her favorite tours to take was to the Bill Pickett Rodeo.
Vira was called home May 3, 2023. She leaves to mourn her sister Carolyn Robbs (George), two daughters Linda Michan Lucas (Lonnie) and Pamela Steele of San Diego. Lorna Davis of Fresno and Tomiko Dildine of San Francisco, Vira’s inherited daughters. Grandchildren Edrianna Pierre, Eddeja Page (Marquis), Leilani Hernandez (Kasey) of Houston, Texas, Wyston Taylor (Daniella) of Brazil, Allegra Taylor of San Diego, Elizabeth Brown of Long Beach, Alese Davis of Fresno, Miako Dildine of San Francisco. Nine great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives and friends also are left to mourn Vira’s passing.
