Danisha “Dina” Danielle Dillon-Williams: Shaping Her Path in the Picayune Community

Danisha Dillion Williams Remembered: A Life Dedicated to Faith and Family

August 16, 2025

Waveland, MS – The Waveland community is mourning the loss of Danisha Danielle “Dina” dillion Williams, who passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 48. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Little Zion Baptist Church, located at 510 South Central Avenue, Waveland, MS 39576. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The service will be officiated by Pastor Dr. C.E. Maston.

Born on July 21, 1977, in Picayune, Mississippi, to Geneva Dillion-gaulden and leverne “Bo” Smith, Danisha was a lifelong resident of the area. She was a proud graduate of Picayune Memorial High School, Class of 1995, where she excelled as a basketball player.

Danisha’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She dedicated herself to Christ at a young age and later became an ordained Evangelist on December 11, 2016, sharing her spiritual gifts with those around her.

In April 2013, Danisha found lasting love with Walter Williams, and together they created a blended family of seven children – five sons and two daughters. She embraced her role as a mother with unwavering devotion and built a home filled with love and support.

danisha is preceded in death by her parents, Geneva Dillion-Gaulden and Leverne “Bo” Smith; sister, Denise dover; grandmothers, Rosie Lee Dillon and Bertie Mae Lavalais (Momma Bert); and paternal grandfather, milas Smith.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Walter Williams; sons, Kendall Payne, trenton Wilson, Walter Johnson III, Justus Williams, and Ashton Williams; daughters, Trinity (Brayden) Wilson and Shanay Lett; five grandchildren, Kolin Payne, Broox Payne, Luna Williams, Ariel Johnson, and Nevanh Johnson; devoted stepfather, Joseph Gaulden; sisters, Kourtney Dover, Carla (Gerry) Bell, and Shoun (Vill) Stoute; and a large and loving extended family and circle of friends.

Following the service,Danisha will be laid to rest in Waveland Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown’s Funeral Home. For those wishing to express condolences or find further data, please visit www.brownsfuneralhomepicayune.com.

What specific skills did Dina develop at Alcorn State University that contribute to her effectiveness as City Clerk adn in community leadership roles?

Early Life and Educational Foundation in Picayune

Danisha “Dina” Danielle Dillon-Williams is a prominent figure in Picayune,Mississippi,deeply rooted in the community she serves. Her journey began within the Pearl River County school system, attending Picayune Memorial High School. This formative period instilled in her a strong sense of local pride and a commitment to the betterment of her hometown. Dina’s dedication to education didn’t stop at high school; she pursued higher learning, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Alcorn State University. This academic background proved crucial in shaping her communication skills and strategic approach to community engagement. Her educational path reflects a purposeful effort to acquire the tools necessary for effective leadership and advocacy within Picayune.

professional Trajectory & Community Involvement

Dina’s professional life is characterized by a consistent dedication to public service and community development. She currently serves as the City Clerk for the City of Picayune, a role she’s held since January 2022. This position places her at the heart of local government, responsible for maintaining official records, facilitating city council meetings, and ensuring openness in municipal operations.

Beyond her official duties, Dina actively participates in numerous civic organizations and initiatives.Key involvements include:

Picayune Main Street: A dedicated member, contributing to the revitalization and beautification of the downtown area. This includes supporting local businesses and promoting community events.

Pearl River County NAACP: Serving as the current President, she champions civil rights and advocates for social justice within the county.

Rotary Club of Picayune: A member focused on service above self, participating in local and international projects.

Leadership Pearl River: An alumna of this program, demonstrating a commitment to developing leadership skills and fostering collaboration.

Various Committees: Regularly appointed to city committees addressing issues like economic development, tourism, and public safety.

Her involvement isn’t simply about attending meetings; it’s about actively leading initiatives and driving positive change. She’s known for her collaborative approach, bringing diverse stakeholders together to address community challenges.

key Accomplishments & Initiatives

Dina’s impact on Picayune is tangible, marked by several key accomplishments and ongoing initiatives.

Enhanced City Transparency: As City Clerk, she has prioritized making city details more accessible to the public, including online access to meeting agendas and minutes. This focus on open government builds trust and encourages citizen participation.

Downtown Revitalization Efforts: Her work with Picayune Main Street has contributed to attracting new businesses and improving the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, boosting local economic activity.

NAACP Advocacy: Under her leadership, the Pearl River County NAACP has been instrumental in advocating for equitable policies and addressing issues of racial justice within the community. This includes voter registration drives and educational programs.

Grant Acquisition Support: Dina has played a role in assisting local organizations with grant writing and securing funding for community projects.

Youth Empowerment Programs: She actively supports initiatives aimed at empowering young people in Picayune, recognizing the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.

Leadership Style & Community Perception

Dina Dillon-Williams is widely regarded as a dedicated, approachable, and effective leader. Her leadership style is characterized by:

Collaboration: She actively seeks input from diverse perspectives and fosters a collaborative environment.

Integrity: She is known for her honesty and ethical conduct.

Vision: She possesses a clear vision for the future of Picayune and works tirelessly to achieve it.

Accessibility: She is readily available to listen to the concerns of residents and address their needs.

Community members consistently praise her commitment to service and her genuine desire to make Picayune a better place to live. She is often described as a “voice for the people” and a champion for positive change. Local media coverage frequently highlights her contributions to the community, solidifying her reputation as a respected and influential figure.

Awards and Recognition

Dina’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. She has received several awards recognizing her dedication to public service and community leadership, including:

2023 Picayune Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award: Recognizing her outstanding contributions to the local business community.

Pearl River County NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award (presented 2024): Acknowledging her long-standing commitment to civil rights and social justice.

* Multiple Proclamations & Resolutions: Honoring her service from the City of Picayune and Pearl River County Board of Supervisors.

Future Aspirations & Continued Commitment

Danisha “Dina” Danielle Dillon-Williams remains deeply committed to the future of Picayune. While she doesn’t publicly discuss specific long-term political aspirations, her continued involvement in civic organizations and her dedication to public service suggest a desire to continue shaping the community she loves. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration,inclusivity,and a shared vision for a brighter future for Picayune and Pearl River County. Her