Casadear “Ceda” Williams
Photo of Ceda, obtained from a Facebook post by N Price Trey Oliver III.
On May 5, 2020, the Mobile, Alabama community lost a passionate, caring friend when they lost Casadear “Ceda” Williams. A “loving person” and an “amazing human being,” those who knew her attest, Ceda was a mother and grandmother who was also an integral part of the Mobile County Metro Jail medical team.
Those who worked closely with Ceda note her humor and honesty. She was regarded as a professional and extremely compassionate woman who loved her family. For 16 years Ceda was devoted to helping others as part of the tight-knit medical staff at the Metro Jail. The warden said she was adored, admired, and respected by her co-workers and patients. In the days after her death, comments poured into a Facebook memorial in her honor. Dozens of people offered prayers for Ceda’s family – a son, two daughters, and a grandchild.
After testing positive for COVID-19, Ceda spent almost a week in ICU. She passed away just four days before her 59th birthday. Even through her fight for those six days, Ceda was described as a bright light. She was a hopeful individual who comforted others.
Jail officials told Fox 10 News that even though working at the jail could be “challenging and difficult,” Ceda had a “positive upbeat attitude.” Her dedication to others quite clear, Ceda continued her courageous service in providing medical care through the pandemic. She contracted the virus during a sharp spike in cases. In the week leading up to her death, more than 60 other people tested positive for coronavirus at Metro Jail alone. On April 30, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson publicly referred to the jail as a COVID-19 hotspot.
Ceda’s dedication to her family, co-workers, and strangers alike will not be forgotten. We honor her life and her life’s work of helping others.
This memorial was written by MOL team member Luci Harrell, from reporting by WALA Fox 10 News, Gabby Easterwood at WKRG CBS 5 News, WKRG staff, Levi Edwards of Mobile Real-Time News, and comments made by friends and co-workers on Facebook.
