Makeela Elease Williams Guy was an educator in the School District of Philadelphia.
She died May 23, 2012, after an 11-year battle with cancer. She was 60.
Guy was born Dec. 20, 1941, in Philadelphia to the late Ruth F. Gregg and Thomas Williams Jr. She grew up in a Christian home and at an early age she was baptized at Saint Matthew AME Church, where she remained a member for many years.
She was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. After graduating from West Philadelphia High School, she attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
Guy returned to the public school system as a teacher dedicated to the development and education of children. Her passion, love and commitment were exemplified through her 38 years of service as well as through the many “special requests” from parents to have their children in Mrs. Guy’s classroom. Later in her career, she returned to school to obtain her masters of education from Cheyney University. Guy retired June 29, 2002, from the school district as an assistant principal.
She met her husband, James Daniel Guy Jr., in February 1961 at the Inquirer track meet. They wed on April 30, 1966. This union of 46 years was blessed with three daughters, Nadine, Natalie and Nikki.
Her family said she was a creative person who enjoyed sewing and card making and possessed a keen eye for fashion. As a young adult with Saks Fifth Avenue taste, she created her own “couture” wardrobe. She loved outfitting her children and grandchildren.
Those accompanying her on one of her many shopping excursions were warned in advance that lunch breaks and rest stops were not permitted. She also enjoyed family gatherings and hosted the gathering of all gatherings this past Christmas when the entire family traveled to the Dominican Republic for the holidays.
Guy fostered her passion for children and education through her involvement with civic organizations such as the Metropolitan Philadelphia area chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Her family said she enjoyed life and was determined to live hers to the fullest.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Williams III.
She is survived by her husband, James; three children, Nadine Taylor (Rodney), Natalie Guy-Lee (Aaron) and Nikki Mace (Darryl); four grandchildren, Lauryn, Lexi, James and Christopher; a niece, Jill Kilgore; nephews, Donte and Jeffrey Williams; an aunt, Vivian Council; an uncle, Wendell Williams (Naomi); a special cousin, Joan Tyree; and other friends and relatives.
Services will be held June 2 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 712 Penllyn Pike, Spring House. Viewing is at 10 a.m. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.
Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
