September 11, 1953 - May 8, 2024
Deacon James Edward Williams, age 70, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
He was a native of Bulloch County and resided in Cobbtown, GA with his wife, Tonja Williams for 22 years.
He was born September 11, 1953, to the late James “Jim” Williams and Thelma Clark Williams. After the death of his biological mother, Thelma, his father “Jim” married Carthie Lee Hagins Williams, who raised him and his siblings; affectionately calling her “Big Ma.”
James was a brick mason by trade. He was the proud owner and operator of “Williams Brothers and Son’s Masonry.” In 2017, after his health began to fail, he partnered with his brother as co-owner of Kit Construction Company. He loved designing and seeing projects built by his hands. He was a master craftsman. His motto was, “If you love something, you’ll learn it.” He worked hard for over 50 years building, making Statesboro and surrounding cities beautiful. Not only did he love his craft, but he loved teaching others how to work as well. While teaching, he would sometimes say, “I don’t pay you to think. You need to listen.” Whoever was willing to listen would learn. He employed and mentored many to become master builders and business owners for themselves. He taught them how to build, he taught them work ethics, and he taught them how to live. His life and legacy shall never be forgotten.
James' greatest accomplishment was accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. He joined Pine Grove Holiness Church of Portal, Ga, under the leadership of Elder Emory Hagins around 2003. Because of his faithfulness, he was elected as chairman of the deacon board and he also an integral part of the pastor’s aid committee. Later in 2010, he became one of the founders of the New Beginnings Community Fellowship Ministries, where he served faithfully as Chairman Deacon until death.
He is preceded in death by his biological mother, Thelma Clark Williams; his father, James “Jim” Williams; mother, Carthie Lee Williams; brother, Willie “Button” Jones; sister, Annie Bell Williams; son, Marcellus “Marc” Ross; grandson, Savion Ross; and granddaughter, Sevyn Reign Chavers.
Deacon Williams leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Tonja Williams; his children, Rethonia (Rogderick) Worthy, Tyree Williams, Pastor Germain A. Williams, Lynn Michelle (Rashad) Lipsey, Wanda Roberts, Montrell Pixler, Monica Williams, Dorale Bell, Titus Williams, Nakisha Williams, Ayshia Williams, Brandon Chavers, Marquis “Duke” Mikell, Kesuan “Tre” Polk, Damon Johnson, Wyee Williams, Ka-Neisha Williams, Nicolette McBride, Laquanda Riley, and Tiffany Roundtree; siblings, Katrina (Mac Authur) Hagins, Linda Faye Scott, Evangelist Carlene (Prophet Melvin) Bynes, Mamie “Robyn” Jones, Harvey (Ruby) Williams, Walter “Kit” (Cynthia) Williams, Shay Williams, Sharon “Sam” Raymond, Tonie (Willie) Smith, and Osborne Williams; a special brother, Charles Reddick; 65 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The funeral Service for Deacon James E. Williams, will be held at 11 A.M., Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Miller Grove Missonary Baptist Church 7829 GA Highway 24 East Statesboro, Georgia 30461, the Rev. Harry J. Tremble, Jr., Pastor, the Bishop Anthony Chavers, Presidng and Overseer Emory Hagins, Officiating.
Mr. Williams will lie in state on the day of service, from 10 A.M. until the funerall hour. There will be no viewing after the eulogy.
**Please note, all viewing will be held on the day of service**
Final rites have been entrusted to Hill's Mortuary, Inc.
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