Erma Romaine Williams, affectionately known as Romaine or Ro, daughter of the late Frederick L. and Erma Q. Kess (nee Gaither), was born on July 7, 1940, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Answering the Lord's call, she departed this life peacefully on November 25, 2024 at University of Maryland Baltimore-Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland at 2:15 pm.

Romaine was educated at the Queenstown (Rosenwald) Elementary School. She was a proud graduate of Wiley H. Bates High School Class of 1958. Romaine earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bowie State University. She continued to advance her educational training at Bowie State University and Morgan State University and earned her Master's degree.

Romaine was raised in a Christian home and gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a lifelong member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church. Romaine spent her entire life studying, seeking and practicing God's word; first having been trained by her parents and her grandparents, the late Grant and Laura Gaither. As a young girl, Romaine joined her parents, Uncle and Aunt, Lawrence and Edna Wells, and her siblings selling produce at Hollins Market in Baltimore, Maryland.

On August 31, 1974, Romaine was joined in holy matrimony to Melvin L. Williams. In addition to children, Sherrie (Taffy) Wali and Dal'Mico C. Boston, their union was blessed with a son, Ro'Mel Demond.

At Metropolitan, Romaine served as both a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher for over 20 years. Romaine served as a member of the greeters' ministry, Nominating Committee, the counters ministry, the Holy Belles, Adams Chorus, Metropolitan inspirational Choir, Voices of Metropolitan and the Senior Choir. She was also a member of the Extensions of Faith. Romaine believed in the word of God, the power of prayer, and enjoyed sharing her faith journey with others. Romaine also attended bible study and worshipped with family at Upper Room Christian Center – Gambrills, MD.

Romaine began her teaching career with second grade students at Ralph Bunch Elementary school in Edgewater, MD in 1965. Romaine ended her career after 30 years at Linthicum Elementary School, continuing as a second-grade teacher and reading specialists in 1995. Following retirement from Anne Arundel County Public School System she taught for 10 years at New Beginnings Christian Academy in Gambrills, Maryland. Outside of the classroom, Romaine opened her home to teach and tutor students of all ages whenever she was asked.

Romaine was smart, loving, caring, kind, full of mothers' wit, and thoughtful. She loved her immediate family – Ro'Mel, Erica, Gabriel, Giovanni and Cameron. Since the loss of her husband Melvin her focus was on being the best mother and grandmother to them. Romaine loved to send cards celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions to family and friends. Whenever you saw Romaine, her sister Barbara was sure to be as well. They were truly inseparable. They went everywhere together – to church, to the store or on vacation. On vacation they were often joined by their cousin Jacqueline Johnson; they went anywhere in the world including trips to the Caribbean, Spain, Canada and all over the United States; summer, winter or fall. Romaine and Barbara also enjoyed attending the Opera at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, often escorted by their friend Tyron Chase. Many people often thought she and Barbara were twins. Romaine loved her big brother Donald dearly as well.

Romaine was proceeded in death by her eldest son, Dal'Mico C. Boston, and her loving husband of 47 years, Melvin L. Williams.

Romaine leaves to cherish her precious memories: her daughter, Sherrie Wali (Baha); son, Ro'Mel Williams (Erica); eight grandchildren, Terkisha, Eric, Tenise, Charles, Dimitri, Cameron, Gabriel and Giovanni; eight great-grandchildren; one brother: Donald Kess, Sr. (Mary); one sister: Barbara Flournoy (Reginald); one special aunt: Theresa Kess Morton (105 years old); three aunts: Hilda Rooks, Betty Williams, Mary Williams; One uncle: Quentin Bolden; one Goddaughter: Cheryl Campbell; a special cousin: Virginia Newby; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.