Meet our Team of Professionals

Daphina Williams

Owner, Licensed Funeral Director, and Embalmer

I, Daphina S. Williams, am a proud mother of five children! I am a Military brat residing all over the United States. I am a graduate of Williston High School, class of 1989. I graduated from the School of Mortuary Science in Decatur, Georgia in 1992. My desire was to return home to Williston, Florida and pursue my dream. I obtained this dream by establishing a family funeral home in Chiefland, Florida that I fully managed for seventeen years. As I journeyed around many communities and families, I found myself in Clearwater, Florida opening a funeral home establishment with a relative in 2010 in which I was a proud owner for 8 years. Still working in the funeral industry and finding myself not fulfilling my full purpose, I decided to become an independent funeral homeowner as well as a much-settled Funeral Director and Embalmer. I currently serve as the Owner and Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer of D. Williams Mortuary Services, LLC in Gainesville, Florida, where I have served since its opening in 2018. I am forever grateful, humbled and blessed for the foundation and opportunities that were established in 1994, by my father, I will always be appreciative and take those many lessons with me throughout my life.

I am proud to have opened a second location of D.  Williams Life Tribute Funeral Services housed at 119 NE 1^st Street Chiefland, FL, where we continue the vision of affordable and professional funeral services. I also have the pleasure of being a proud member of the Independent Funeral Directors Association of Florida. I am here walking into my purpose and continuing to serve with “A Spirit of Excellence.”

Karen Hollis

Trusted Partner

Hi, my name is Karen D Hollis I am a graduate of Dixie County High School class of 1990 and a graduate of Webster College which was then in Gainesville, Fl. Class of 1992 with a certificate in Executive Secretary. I love working with elderly people. Which is why I’m currently employed at Tri-County Nursing Home in Trenton, Fl and have been serving there for 20yrs. I’ve been in the Funeral Industry since 2008 now I am working at D. Williams Mortuary Services, serving faithfully and consistently. I am a proud partner of D C W Affordable Family Funeral Service housed at 119 NE 1st Street Chiefland, FL, where we believe in affordable and professional funeral services. I’m here to serve you, “With a Spirit of Excellence” where all families matter.

Miesha Perry

Prep Room Technician & Junior Manager

Miesha Perry began her journey in the funeral industry in June 2020, bringing a deep passion for helping families through challenging times. A proud 2005 graduate of Eastside High School, Miesha’s work as a Prep Room Technician and Junior Manager is driven by her genuine care for people and dedication to ensuring that each family she serves receives the highest level of support and professionalism.

Her role within the funeral home allows her to make a meaningful impact, handling delicate processes with compassion and attention to detail. Miesha finds great purpose in the funeral industry and is passionate about the vital role it plays in helping families find peace and closure.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Miesha enjoys cooking, supporting the Florida Gators, and spending time with her dogs. She is also an active member of her church, where her faith and commitment to service shine through. As a devoted mother to Montavious Minter and Mikel Patterson, she values family and the important role it plays in her life and work.

Rev. Teresa Osoba

Professional Team Member

Rev. Teresa Osoba brings to D. Williams Mortuary Services, LLC a wealth of administrative experience after having retired as HCD Supervisor for more than 35 years from the City of Gainesville. She is passionately known as one who goes the extra mile to serve our bereaving families with the utmost love, compassion, respect, and care as they deal with the loss of their loved one.

In 1994, Teresa began her services in the funeral industry as a typesetter, preparing the obituary programs for funeral services. Continuing to grow in her funeral services experience she has served in the roles of Administrative Assistant, Limo Driver, Direct Family Care Provider, Floral Attendance, and Resolutions Presenter. Teresa believes that each service is an opportunity for her to demonstrate her professional personal service in a spirit of excellence.

Additionally, she is an Ordained Reverend and Co-Pastor with her husband Reverend Babjide Osoba at Redeeming Faith & Anointing Church. She holds a BA Degree in Finance and is an expert licensed Real Estate Agent with Swanz Premier Realty, LLC.  Rev. Teresa is the proud mother of three adult children and the grandma to three beautiful grandchildren