Annie O'Dell Williams Cradle, 80, of Loveville, MD departed this life and into eternal peace on November 14, 2006 in Loveville, Maryland. A devoted Christian; she not only spoke the word of Christ, but lived it.

Annie was born to the late John and Betty Williams on February 26, 1926 in Danville, Virginia. She was one of seven children blessed to their union. She was educated in the DC public school system. She was married to Samuel H. Cradle 1942 and together they reared a family of ten children. Her passion was caring not only for her own children, but for children of all circumstances. As a cafeteria manager at Banneker High School in the 1960s, she was instrumental in starting the free breakfast program for those students less fortunate. She continued community work as a member of the Red Cross Gray Ladies, and was very instrumental in the lives of many, including friends, family, and strangers. She loved God, she loved family, and she loved service.

In our final days together, we were afforded the opportunity of talk, touch, and time. These precious and intimate moments will sustain us as we continue along our journeys. Through eyes drenched with tears of joy and sorrow and spirits of faith and thanksgiving, we now commence Annie into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

She leaves to mourn her husband, Samuel H. Cradle, sons, Kenneth Cradle of Towson, MD, Marvin Tyrone Cradle (Angel) of Washington, DC, Dorian Gregory Cradle(Agnes) of Lexington Park, MD, and Samuel Ronald Cradle (Rhoda) of Broomes Island, MD; daughters, Martha Cradle Bradley of Lexington Park, MD, Betty Frances Cradle of California, MD, and Charlotte Cradle Somerville (Blaine) of Loveville, MD; 25 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren; two brothers, John Raymond Williams (Frances) of LaPlata, MD and Randolph Williams of Hyattsville, MD; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory two lifelong friends, Ms. Marie Barnes and Mrs. Helen Somerville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Betty Williams; her sons, James and Steven Cradle; her daughter, Sheila Cradle; her brothers, Lawson and Charles Williams; and her sisters, Mary and Hattie Williams.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 17, 2006 at Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer, Clements, Maryland, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Internment at Galilee Cemetery in Oakville, Maryland.

Serving as pallbearers will be Blaine Somerville, Evander Somerville, Shamar Hickman, Ronald Harris, James A. Watkins and James N. Watkins.