Mr. Williams was born Sept. 13,1944, in Hertford County, N.C., to the late John Downing and Texanna Williams. He received his early education from Hertford County School System.

On Feb. 24, 1968, he was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife Clara Williams. To this union 10 children were born.

He was a gentle, soft spoken person, who loved all his family. He enjoyed traveling, western and gangster movies

and doing things with his family.

He was also known for his love for dancing and dressing.

In his later years he dedicated his life to becoming a Jehovah Witness.

Survivors include his loving and faithful wife of 40 years, Clara Outlaw Williams; five daughters, ShaJuan Williams (Randy), Tanisha Hill (Stacey), both of Portsmouth, JuJuan Edwards (Faraji) of Ladson, S.C., Josette Moses and Bridgette Moses, both of New Jersey; seven sons, Josephus Williams Jr., Hassan (Shanta), Rasheen (Gloria), all of Portsmouth, Thomas (Toshia), Antoin (Lachelle), both of New Jersey, Hakeem (Jasmine) and Kareem (Nyesha), both of Philadelphia, Pa.; six brothers, Henry Williams of West Virginia, John Downing (Hazel), Ronald Saulsbury (Alycia), Willie Wiggins, all of Powellsville, N.C., Larry Saulsbury of Murfreeboro, N.C., and Johnnie Saulsbury (Rhonda) of Greenville, N.C.; nine sisters, Evora Eley, Annie Dukes, Maxine Rankins (William) of Ahoskie, N.C., Virginia Freeman, Agnes Simpson, Marion Swain (Jerry), Viola Cherry (Moses), Gladys Saulsbury, all of Colerain, N.C., and Rosa Battle (Ricky) of Windsor, N.C.; and a special cousin, Hunter Williams (Dishie) of New Jersey.

A funeral will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Kingdom Hall in Portsmouth.

Steele-Bullock Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Viewing will begin today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Family and friends will assemble at the residence for the processional.

Send condolences to www.steelebullockfuneralhome.com