Rev. John Wesley Williams Sr.

 A man with great knowledge and infinite wisdom, he always strived to do benevolent work. He built spiritual tabernacles for Christ, spiritual lives for individuals while being patient and courageous during stressful situations. He was a thoughtful, loving and caring leader in harmonious environments.

Reverend John Wesley Williams, Sr., was born in October 31, 1925 in Brunson, South Carolina, to the late Isaiah and Sarah Forrester.He received his education at the Gifford Rosenwald School, Gifford, South Carolina. He would later expand his knowledge of the ministry at the Baptist Ministerial Alliance, Barnwell, South Carolina.

Rev. Williams was employed by Savannah River Plant, Aiken, South Carolina. He retired after thirty-one years and three months of dedicated service. On July 7, 1946, he was united into holy matrimony to the late Fannie Mae Pat-terson. his union was blessed with six children. Rev. Williams enjoyed singing gospel music, playing the harmonica and strumming his guitar. He was a member with the New Four Gospel Singers.

In 1937, Rev. Williams prayed, accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and joined the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Brunson, South Carolina. Under the leadership of the late Rev. Clarence E. Walker, he was ordained as a deacon and later became a licensed minister after preaching his trial sermon, in October 1961. On February 10, 1963, Rev. Williams was ordained as a minister. He later became pastor of First Estill Missionary Baptist Church, Estill, South Carolina(1963-2009),where within the same year he was highly recommended by the Old Ashley Association . In 1964, Rev. Williams was later called to pastor at First African Missionary Baptist Church, Levy, South Carolina (1964-2002). He continued to preach God’s word, where he was later called to Jackson Branch Missionary Baptist Church, Brunson, South Carolina (1968-2008). Rev. Williams loved to recite the sixty-six books of the Bible
He was also affiliated with many other organizations, namely Ruth Chapter #225, Order of the Eastern Star. Rev. Williams was the Worshipful Master of Gifford Lodge #359, Gifford, South Carolina, Moderator of the Nazarene Baptist Union #1, a member of the Old Ashley Association for many years and Moderator of the Goodwill Ashley Union. He was the Grand Worthy Chief of the Independent Order of Good Samaritans and Daughters of Samaria. He continued his godly and dedicated service to the Sisters and Brothers Benevolent Union and the Good Samaritans, Capers Lodge #4, Brunson, South Carolina, fulfilling his duties as Supreme Grand Sire and Grand Worthy Chief. He was also a member of the NAACP, Hampton County Council on Aging, and a board member of the Hampton County Department of Social Services.

Rev. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, Fannie Mae Patterson Williams, sister, Hattie Irene Williams Gardner, brother, Rev. Sidney Herbert Williams, and son, John Wesley Williams, Jr.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, , I have kept the faith, and answered the call on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at the Hampton Regional Medical Center, Varnville, South Carolina.

He leaves to cherish: fond and loving children, Betty (Richard) Hodges, Varnville, SC, Judy M. Washington, Allendale, SC, Frankie L. (Diane) Williams, Rev. Carlar (Mayor Patricia) Williams, all of Brunson, SC, and MacArthur Williams, Brunson, SC; daughter-in-law, Cathleen Williams, Brunson, SC; brother, Deacon James Williams, Brunson, SC; sister in law ,Dr. Sara Frances Williams, Hampton, SC; 26 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and caring friends, including a special family friend, Willa P. Mikell.

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