Service Details
Racine, Wisconsin – A Visitation will be held to Honor John’s Life on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 4:00 – 7:00pm in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI. John’s final resting place will be in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida
In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time. You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building. For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Mt. Dora, Florida – In accordance with current Florida and Hayes Brothers Funeral Home mandates the family will hold a PRIVATE Visitation. You’re welcome to join the family on Friday, September 25, 2020. at 12:30pm in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida for John’s Final Committal.
For the safety and security of everyone please to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Petals by Felicia
Racine, WI – John L. Williams was born in Millen, Georgia on December 30, 1944 to Reverend Charles and Essie Mae (Wesley) Williams. He was the second of thirteen children born to this union. In 1969, John met the spiritual love of his life, Anne Zeta Porter, in the lobby of the Racine Motor Inn after both were recruited to Wisconsin during a different time of affirmative action. John married Anne on November 30, 1974 in New Orleans, Louisiana; this year marks their 46th year of marriage. To this union, three children were born.
John grew up in Mt. Dora, Florida with his family. He attended Eustis Vocational High School, and graduated early at the age 16 in 1961. He went on to Florida A&M University and majored in Chemistry, earning a Bachelors of Science degree. His early professional experiences included working as a physics and chemistry Teacher at West Palm Beach High School for Palm Beach County Schools, a Product Assurance Engineer at Electronics Communications in St. Petersburg, a Chemist at Martin Marietta in Central Florida, and a Chemist at SC Johnson Wax in Racine, Wisconsin. In the early 1970’s John began exploring real estate as a profession before fully becoming self-employed as a real estate broker and sole proprietor of J.L. Williams Realty & Investments, where he educated himself in the industry, competed and thrived as a local businessman. He retired in 2010.
In addition to fueling the goals and aspirations of his family and friends, John had a passion for volunteering. He volunteered with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America, and held Board of Director positions at George Bray Community Center and the National Urban League. John also enjoyed learning foreign languages such as German and French, and he never met a book that he didn’t read. One of John’s greatest passions was music. John was a collector and a lover of all genres. Some of his favorites included disco, all things Smokey Robinson and swinging & stepping with his dance partner, Anne, to the latest groove.
John loved God more than anything. He read the Bible everyday and started his daily “Things to Do” list with a written prayer. He gave benevolently to further the scholarship of the children at Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church and Gregg Chapel CME. Most recently, John was a faithful deacon and taught New Members Class and Sunday school at New Omega Baptist Church.
John could give you that big smile or that furrowed brow. He had a “Will of Steel” and raised the bar of excellence of everyone around him. He did not accept mediocrity; he strived to be consistent and fair; and he always gave and demanded respect from those who knew him. He was leader in his community, his profession, and most importantly – his family.
John departed this life on Monday, September 7, 2020. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Lloyd Williams, sister Evelyn Jenkins and sister-in-law Lillie Williams. John leaves to mourn his passing – his loving wife, Anne; children – Rae (Michael) Livingston, John W. Williams, Jaselyn Williams and Leon (Sharon) Mason; grandchildren – Xavier McWhorter, Kameron Cole Williams, Leontyne Mason, Tia Mason, Alicia Mason, Princess Mason, Nehemiah Mason and great-granddaughter Daria Pagdet; siblings – his “sidekick” James Williams, Mt. Dora, Florida; Vivian (John) Owens, Eustis, Florida; Roland (Wiletha) Williams, Norcross, Georgia; Carolyn Williams, Naples, Florida; Carl Williams, Mt. Dora, Florida; Marilyn (Horace) Orr, Tavares, Florida; David (Sharon) Williams, Racine, Wisconsin; Sandra Chavous, Mt. Dora, Florida; Debra (Wilbert) McMillan, Eustis, Florida; Michael (Sandra) Williams, Mt. Dora, Florida; and brother-in-law Paul Jenkins, Bassville, Florida. John also leaves to mourn – Aunts Maude Edwards and Francis Flakes, special cousin Zella Mae Milsap, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Racine, Wisconsin – A Visitation will be held to Honor John’s Life on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 4:00 – 7:00pm in the Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI. John’s final resting place will be in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida.
The family has requested donation be made in John’s honor to George Bray Neighborhood YMCA in Racine, Wisconsin or The Racine Public Library.
In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time. You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building. For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Mt. Dora, Florida – In accordance with current Florida and Hayes Brothers Funeral Home mandates the family will hold a PRIVATE Visitation. You’re welcome to join the family on Friday, September 25, 2020. at 12:30pm in Edgewood Cemetery in Mt. Dora, Florida for John’s Final Committal.
For the safety and security of everyone please wear a face covering and practice social distancing. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Sharon says
Brother in law rest easy you are in a better place you will never be forgotten.David knows you are resting easy now.We will meet again
April Williams says
Uncle John I will never forget you! I’ll always be grateful for you helping me find my dad when I was younger .. and different memories from when I stayed over to your house on the weekends!!! I love you and the family Rest In Peace
Anonymous says
I am praying for the Williams family for your loss of a very nice brother remember he’s with God now
Debra. L. McMillan says
Debra. L. Mc.Millan
Anonymous says
Ann,
Our condolences to you and your family. We’ll say a prayer.
Les and Sue Chambasian
Gail Julius/Thompson says
Anne, I’m heartbroken for you and your family. Sending my prayers and love from Florida.John was a wonderful man, husband and father. What a beautiful tribute to his life.
Susan Beckett says
I did not know John but worked with Anne at Starbuck. I would like to express my sincerest sympathy to Anne. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gloria Gotthardt says
Oh Anne and family please accept my sincere sympathy. Not sure if you remember me. I worked with you at Starbuck with Dar in the office. My prayers are with you and your family. Your husband was a wonderful person. He loved life to the fullest.
Linda Heitzinger says
Anne and family,
Our sincere sympathies over the loss of your dear husband, father, brother, and friend. He made such a lifelong impact on so many in this world. Truly a great man. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love,
Linda and Jerry Heitzinger
Hartford &Maude Edwards says
Rest in peace.
Hartford and Maude
William’s Edwards.
Lisa (John Wesley William’s dear friend) says
I didn’t know John, Sr. but I do know the son he helped to form into a wonderful man in JWW and his beloved and devoted wife, Anne. My heart goes out to you both and the entire family – blessings for my sincerest condolences. May his memories eventually brings you peace and happiness. Rest now in the dear Lord’s arms, John Williams.
Minnie M Jackson says
To the Williams Family, may God forever shine his light on you. Look to the Lord for your strength to get through these challenging times. Deacon John is at peace with the Lord.
Kecia Reeves says
My sincere prayers go out to The Williams Family in the loss of their beloved patriarch.
Crystal Worthem says
Rae and Jaselyn, I am so very sorry for the loss of your amazing Father. I pray for peace and comfort for your family. I love you both dearly
Roxanne Wilson and Family says
Rest in peace John, we had many good years togather as neighbors.
Elizabeth Porter Scott says
John L Williams you were truly a real man of all of you could do . Your family wife and kids are a true image of you . What ever you were involved in all walks of life you mastered it all . What was said to let everyone who read your life’s story and history of your accomplishments was truly what a black intelligent can be .. John you were so awesome in all of what you ❤ did so much in your lifetime . Your chilren had to be an accomplishment as they were looking and loving the man you were . I loved the way he loved ❤ my sister . His hair cut and his intelligence was one for the books . Rest on my brother-in-law you 🙏 have done well . You have fought the good fight . Your sister in law Liz Scott
Alice D Turner says
Dear Anne and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayer are with you.
Leon Maso says
So very sad that I was not able to visit you at the end before The Master said time…at ANY RATE I greatly appreciate your love and succinct way of handling things that mattered…I miss our conversations, especially how you asked for Details on how each of the children were faring…We’ve certainly cherished every second HE’s allowed us to have with you…Auf weidersehen fur Jetzt bis spater Papa…
Rachel Finglass says
Although I never met John, I have been blessed to know his daughter Jaselyn. His high standards and passion for giving to others is modeled through his daughter. I am sorry for your loss and hope that his memory will be a blessing.
Groovy says
My condolences to you and your family.
Jennifer TwittyStrickland says
Jaselyn,
I am so sorry for your loss and the loss to your family. Please know that your dad continues to live through you.
Love ya lots.
Jennifer Twitty Strickland
John & Peggy Holland says
We are so sorry for your loss. May memories sustain you, and faith and love guide you You are in our prayers.
Sending caring thoughts,
John and Peggy Holland
Vevlon Days-Kimmons says
I am so sorry for your loss Shsron and David.
Dwight and Jean Mosby says
We are keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.
William McWhorter says
The McWhorter family sends its condolences and blessings during this time of loss. We pray that GOD covers, protects and guides the Williams-Porter family during their time of need. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Williams for over 30 yrs. He was always a kind, good spirited and GOD fearing man who carried himself with high principles and respect.
Rick Wiegel says
Anne,
My condolences to you and your family. I was fortunate to have met John while doing volunteer work at St. Monica’s Senior Home. John- a wonderful gentleman with a kind heart. Thinking of you today Anne.
Carolyn W. Maxwell says
Dear Family, John has simply slipped away, gone into the Next Room. Brother John you will be forever loved and never forgotten. I prefer to see your death according to the sentiments expressed in this poem below. Love from sister, Carolyn Maxwell
“Death is Nothing At All”
Death is nothing at all — I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way you always used. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without the ghost of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant… There is absolutely unbroken continuity.
What is death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you — for an interval — somewhere near just around the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
Shontra Powell says
Dear Rae, I am praying for your comfort and peace. May you see God move even in this.
Sincerely,
Soror Shontra Powell
Aletha Kimmons says
Ann and family, so sorry for your loss.
Continue to look to the hills where all your help will come
Aletha Kimmons
Denise Freeman says
Mrs. Williams,
I was saddened to hear of your husband’s passing. I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family.
Rosalind Hayslett says
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. May God be with you in your time of sorrow. I’m praying for your strength to endure. May the blessings of God ease your pain. Stay strong.
Rosalind Hayslett
Paula Boykin and Family says
Mrs. Williams and family I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers may God comfort you during your time of loss
Donnie & Sylvia Gardner says
Prayers Lifted and my deepest condolences. Praying God provide strength, love and comfort to the family. Rest in the Arms of Jesus ❤️