Deacon Johnie Elijah Williams Sr.

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." -Psalm 27:4-5

Deacon Johnie Williams Sr., entered this earthly home on December 9, 1940, and transitioned to his heavenly home in the arms of his loving wife, on Thursday, January 7, 2021, in Virginia Beach, VA, where he served as a deacon for nearly 60 years at Little Piney Grove Baptist Church.  

Deacon Williams graduated from Union Kempsville High School, class of 1959. At an early age, Deacon Williams became a member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, Ruth Lodge #92, in Virginia Beach, VA.  He retired from Norfolk Public Schools after 27 years of dedicated service. He loved talking with people and all will agree that he never met a stranger.  He was known for his favorite conversations about family, bowling, the Dallas Cowboys, but most of all, for the love of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He would tell everyone…”God has been good to me”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Johnie E. Williams and First Lady Neava Weston Williams.   

Deacon Williams leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and dedicated wife of 62 years, Deaconess Willie Mae Williams, Virginia Beach, VA; children, Johnie Elijah (Darlene) Williams, Jr, Virginia Beach, VA; Rickie Rynell Williams, Bronx, NY; Minister Gina (Trent) Owens, Chesapeake, VA and Kendita Mitchell, Virginia Beach, VA; 10  grandchildren; Jendayi S. Williams, Cecil T. (Renae) Ricks, Jr., Jabari L. Williams, Nandi S.N. Williams, Michaela R. Johnson, Diata Williams, Jadea Williams, Zachariah Northington, Trenelia Owens and Trent Owens; 7 greatgrandchildren; Kayin, Jaela, Camrynn, Journee, Londyn, Daryl; two sisters; Jacqueline Mahammad and Deaconess Ruth Bell; a dear brother-in-law who was more like a brother, William O. Creekmore, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.   

Public viewing will be held Friday at Beach Funeral Services in Virginia Beach, VA, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A Private Homegoing service will be held at Little Piney Grove Baptist Church, in Virginia Beach, VA on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at 12:00 noon.  *** Masks and social distancing required.  www.beachfuneralservices.com

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