Lucille E. Williams was one of the important members of Kanye West’s family. She was his maternal grandmother, the mother of Kanye’s mom, Dr. Donda West. The life of Lucille is replete with love, hard work, and power. Let’s see who she was and how she influenced the life of Kanye.
Quick Facts About Lucille E. Williams
| Full Name | Lucille E. Williams (née Eckles) |
| Birthdate | October 15, 1915 |
| Occupation | Homemaker, small business owner |
| Husband/Wife | Portwood Williams Sr. |
| Died | 2007 |
| Age | 92 years old at the time of passing |
| Parents | Clarence Anthony Eckles and Beulah M. Jones |
| Grandchildren | Kanye West |
| Children | Donda West (Kanye West’s mother) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life of Lucille E. Williams
Lucille was born Lucille Eckles. She spent most of her life in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Lucille married Portwood Williams Sr., and they raised their family in Oklahoma together. They had a number of children, and the most well-known of them all was their daughter, Donda West.
Lucille played a vital role in the Williams family. Together with her husband, they led their children through faith, discipline, and work. They owned a small business, which formed a significant component of the day-to-day activities of the family.
Marriage and Family Life
Lucille wed Portwood Williams Sr. and had a family. Their daughter, Donda West, was born in 1949. Donda would grow up to be a well-respected educator and have a tremendous influence on Kanye West’s life. Lucille and Portwood were also heavily committed to their Christian faith, and they raised their children with solid values.
Lucille and Portwood were not only parents, but also entrepreneurs. They owned a small business that sustained their family. Their work ethic and religiousness left an indelible mark on their children, particularly Donda.
Lucille’s Influence on Donda West
Lucille’s daughter, Donda West, was a prominent educator. She was a professor and chairwoman of the Department of English at Chicago State University. Donda brought up Kanye West after she broke up with his father. His mother was his biggest influence throughout Kanye’s life. Lucille definitely influenced Donda, who in turn passed on to Kanye.
Lucille’s influence on her daughter was tremendous. She provided Donda with the tools to win at life. Donda never strayed from her mother’s side, and the love she shared with Lucille was in turn shared with Kanye. Donda’s principles of faith, hard work, and education contributed to her being the woman that would raise Kanye to become one of the world’s most powerful artists.
Lucille’s Later Years and Legacy
Lucille survived much of the 20th century. She saw much change in the world, but she did not waver in her devotion to her family, her religion, and her job. Lucille died in 2008 at 92. Even after death, her presence was felt.
Her daughter, Donda, also continued to live up to her mother’s legacy by possessing the same values of hard work and education. Donda’s success as a professor and educator left an indelible mark on Kanye. The way Kanye perceives the world, education, and success can be traced back to the lessons he learned from his mother and his grandmother.
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Lucille and Kanye West
Lucille E. Williams was the maternal grandmother of Kanye West, but her presence extended far beyond that of a relative. Lucille raised Donda, who, in return, raised Kanye. The morals and values that Lucille incorporated in her family were the things that made Kanye who he is today.
Even though Kanye never got to experience firsthand his grandmother’s presence during his childhood, it’s obvious that Lucille’s principles of family, religion, and education were taught to Donda and consequently to Kanye.
