Alicia DeLeon Williams

Aurora Alicia DeLeon Williams, 73, entered into eternal rest May 1, 2025, following a long illness, with her beloved husband and son at her side. She was born January 3, 1952 in Brownsville, TX to Emilio and Maria DeLeon and grew up the youngest of three sisters. She graduated from Brownsville High School in 1969 and studied at Texas A&M Kingsville where she earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

Most of Alicia’s professional career was devoted to public service. She began working at the local agency serving people with mental illness and intellectual disabilities where she met her husband of over 30 years, Harry Don Williams. She also served as the Executive Director of Rainbow House and the Avance Selena Center. In her leisure time, Alicia enjoyed modeling and fashion, thrifting, hiking, boating and spending time at the beach where she collected sea beans. She loved to laugh and be in the company of good friends with an occasional beer. Following her retirement, she divided her time between traveling with Harry, beachcombing, and taking care of her beloved granddaughters.

Alicia brought joy and laughter to any situation and would move mountains to prevent others from feeling pain or discomfort. She cherished her family and a large network of lifelong friends who knew her as “Alice.” Although her final years were marred by illness, she bore her heavy cross with tenacity, grace, and a sharp sense of humor.

Alicia reunites in death with her parents, her infant brother and sister, childhood friend Nora Salinas, and her granddaughter Emily McDonald. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Harry Don Williams, her sisters, Carmen (Raymond) Cuellar and Cristela (Rendell) Webb, her son and daughter-in-law Leo and Nicole Ruiz and her beloved granddaughters: Braque Looper, Fiona Ruiz and Phoebe Ruiz. Alicia is also survived by her ex-husband Gonzalo “Bucho” (Sylvia) Ruiz, her nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends, some dating back to her childhood in Brownsville.

A Celebration of Alicia’s Life will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Briscoe King Pavillion, 15820 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to People Assisting with Animal Control (PAAC).

The Family wishes to thank Harbor Hospice and all who visited and brought love and peace to her final days. Many thanks also go out to all who prayed with and for her and all the medical staff who provided her care.

John 16:22- “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Affordable Cremations by Winsteads’. (361) 655-5552 www.corpuscremations.com