John R. Williams Sr.
FRANKLIN—Bishop John R. Williams Sr., 75, of Franklin founder and pastor of New St. John Church Newsoms was called to glory Nov. 7, 2008.
He was born to the late Ludella and Arthur Williams, Feb. 8, 1933 in Gates County, N.C.
Two sisters District Mother Gladys Pruden, Mary Williams and one brother Superintendent Joseph Williams preceded him in death.
He leaves to carry on his legacy, his wife of 55 years, Mother Hattie M. Harris Williams; four children, Elder Cynthia L. Williams-Brodie (Reginald) of Franklin; Elder John R. Williams Jr. of Summerville, S.C.; Lenette L. Williams-Andrews (Jimmie) and baby girl, Gail Y. Williams-Rawlings, both of Richmond; eight grandchildren, two of whom he helped raise Kim Williams-Draper (Mike) of Richmond and Sergeant Andrae L. Williams (Jasmin) of Hohenfels, Germany; Tamika S. Williams-Cabahaugh of Carrollton, Kemper R. Brodie of Franklin; Kenya Y. Rawlings, Rachel E. Andrews, Kendall L. Rawlings and Kennae S. Rawlings, all of Richmond; four great-children; Ibhade Y. Osedianosen, Isibor O. Osedianosen, Izehi “Vicky” Osedianosen, Malik Williams; four brothers, Pastor James Williams (Katie) and Pastor Lemuel Williams (Esther) of Norfolk; Pastor Hezekiah Williams (Josephine) and Pastor Paul Williams (Teresa) of Detroit, Mich.; three sisters, Dorothy Artis of New York, Minister Eunice Dickerson (Robert Lee) of Carrsville and Ellen Smith of Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and church family.
He also had a dedicated son-in-law, Reginald J. Brodie; devoted caretaker, Dorothy Boone and a loyal friend, Minister Melvin Watson.
A celebration of triumphant victory of a servant of God 50 years of ministry will be Saturday at 1 p.m. East End Church, 410 East St., Franklin.
Interment will follow in Southampton Memorial Park.
Remains will lie in state for public viewing at the church 10 a.m. Saturday.
Bishop Stephen D. Willis, will officiate.
Services trusted to Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home.