Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Lawrence WILLIAMS Obituary
A native of Newport News, he was a 1946 graduate of Huntington High School and attended Hampton Institute which is now Hampton University.
He was a member of the United House of Prayer For All People for more than 74 years. He served faithfully as spokesman for the church, a member of the Business Board, and was on the Deacon Board until he was ordained as a minister in October 1989. He was dutiful to his ministerial call and visited the sick and shut in weekly.
Elder Williams also served as Assistant Pastor of the United House of Prayer For All People, 1811 Ivy Ave. Newport News, Va. He was dedicated to the Mending Hearts and was a faithful member of Widow's Son Lodge #
54 Free and Accepted Mason Prince Hall.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Glostine Jones Williams; one brother, Apostle Alfred Williams Sr.; four sisters-in-law, Evelyn J.
White, Vivian C. Williams, Barbara H. Williams and Denise J. Howard; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted family and friends.
A service of celebration will be conducted on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at 4 p.m. at the United House of Prayer For All People, 1811 Ivy Ave., Newport News with Apostle J. Barksdale, pastor, officiating. Viewing will be held at the church from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, 5, 2010. Interment will be held 10 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2010, at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veteran Cemetery.
Arrangements by Poole's Funeral Home, Sabrina Hardy-Newby, Funeral Director, 757-357-4742. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence WILLIAMS
Leonta Knox
June 5, 2010
I will truely miss this great man of God. I learned so much as a young child in the Virginia State Band. The wonderful thing is that I can share all the things that was taught to me to my children. I'am very greatful! Sis. Leonta Knox
Keisha Jones
June 4, 2010
My prayers go out to the Williams Family. I will always remember Elder Lawrence Williams. I learned a lot from him growing up and I'll never forget him. I'm glad that my daughter and I got the chance to know him. He will be missed by all.
James Grant Jr.
June 4, 2010
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
James & Juanita Grant and Gail Brown
June 4, 2010
To the Williams Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God`s love sustain you.Elder Williams will be always remembered for his great works and his encouraging words. We will truly miss him.
St Sharon Marrow,UHOP(Portsmouth,VA)
Marian Jones
June 4, 2010
A man of distinction,one that gave & demanded respect. A teacher, philosopher, orator, disciplinarian, etc. I was blessed to march in the Grace Emmanuel Band under his direction (mid 60 & 70)& my son (Jermaine) also came up Elder (Bro. Lawrence) Willimas in the 80(s) & 90(s) which the band name changed to the Virginia State Marching Band. Discipline & perfection was the key & that is what he demanded. He sat the bar high & demanded we reach the top of that bar.
Rest in Peace Elder Williams & to the Ms. Glostine & the Williams family you truly have our prayers (Marian & Jermaine)
Marian
Donzella Coleman-Johnson
June 4, 2010
To: The family members of Elder Lawrence Williams
From a family member who has had music in her home from birth, I am aware that you learned much and cherished so much more from a family musician. You will never forget the sternest of directions and seriousness of lifestyles. Being a musician was extroidinarily different because of the gift possessed.
My father, Professor Herman Coleman, a musical genius, NC Hall of Fame recipient and the first director of concert music in the UHOP was just so special. Sweet Daddy Grace instructed him to start a band in Charlotte, NC that would play only concert music. Never had musical training, he obeyed the founder and a miracle became evident when he was seen reading sheet music and teaching it. He was in his early twenties and followed the orders of the founder and the rest is history. By doing this, he was instructed to go into other states and give music lessons that would thereby lead to concert bands. Virginia was one of the states that he visited for this reason. He met many young men and Elder Lawrence Williams was one of them who became a very good friend.
It was always a joy to see them annually at the Memorial celebration in Washington, DC and the Holy Convocation parades as they expressed professionalism and friendliness as they gave their special handshake and loving smiles. Ever competitors but always friends doing greatness for this kingdom. Their work spoke and will always speak for itself.
My father passed away three years ago but his distinguished work in the UHOP musical department will live on as Elder Lawrence Williams' will. Do know that he received many blessings as my father did but the greatest joyful blessing will come from God as they direct the musical bands in the heavenly skies.
St. Donzella Coleman-Johnson
NBCT, (Retired)
Wilmington, NC
Terry Leverette
June 4, 2010
To the Williams Family:
Elder Lawrence Williams was truly an instrumental part of my growth in the House of Prayer through the Virginia State Marching Band in my younger years. I owe a great portion of my musical growth and success to him. He was a great man and will truly be missed. Much respect due.
R.I.P.
Apostle & St. Leverette
June 4, 2010
Our prayers go out to The Williams' Family. Oh, what precious memories we have of the precious moments he spent with our two children(Terry & Alexis)! His love for Dad was manifested through all of our children. We cherish the added musical knowledge he instilled in them. Each time they play their instrument and/or sing their songs, Elder Williams' legacy will live on.
May God give you the strength and peace to endure these difficult days.
JoAnn Haskett
June 4, 2010
Farewell my teacher, farewell.
Virginia State Marching Band
Diane Hatchett Hibbler
June 3, 2010
To The Williams Family,
Eld. Williams was such a Graceful Man, truly one of God Anointed. Aunt Glostine peace be to You. I Will forever be grateful for all the support
ELD. Williams extended to The Hatchett Family.
Doris Williams
June 3, 2010
Deepest sorrow to Elder Williams family for the loss of such a great person. Lawrence Williams was indeed very respected by all who came in contact with him. I am greatful for having the opportunity to know him. I enjoyed hearing him speak because he was so knowledgeble. He will be sadly missed but his light will forever shine in our hearts.
Charles Bowser
June 3, 2010
We pray God's grace and mercy upon the family of Elder Wiliams and want you all to know that there are indeed better days ahead! God bless you all. Elder & Sis. Bowser, Norfolk #1
June 3, 2010
My prayers to the family of Elder Lawrence Williams.
To know him was to love him. I thank the Lord for allowing me to be a member of VSB under the leadership of Bro Lawrence. I'm thankful for all his teachings and the tough love I receive from him. I will miss his beautiful smile and the warm hugs he always gave. I will also miss is quotes of Paul Laurence Dunbar that he often always gave at Homegoings. Who will quote for you Bro Lawrence? Gone but not forgotten.
"Esprit de Corps" Bro Lawrence.
Twanda "Gee Gee" Willie
Lenthia Willie-Clark
June 3, 2010
To The Williams Family,
It was a pleasure working with Elder Lawrence Williams with the Virginia State Marching Band. Bro. Lawrence as we all would call him, showed all of us about respect and the meaning of hard work. He was a man who meant business!!! He taught all of us who would listen how to be disciplined enough to actually take orders and to do what those in authority told us to do without question. He loved music and shared that love for music with all of the young people who watched him as he led us. He was a true leader who didn't just talk the talk but he walked the walk. Elder Williams, you truly impacted my life in a great big way. You will be missed dearly. May God be with all of us as we keep the memory of Elder Lawrence Williams alive as we share his story with our children's children!!! God please bless the Williams' family as they go through this difficult time. Take comfort family in knowing that Elder Lawrence Williams' legacy will live on through the young people of the sweet House of Prayer every time we march in the parades!!!
St. Lenthia Willie-Clark
State Youth President of Virginia
Mary and Niki Carter
June 2, 2010
To the family of Elder Williams, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Two generations (mother and daughter), we had the awesome opportunity to work with Elder Willimas as members and Booster of the Virginia State Marching Band for many years. He was a proud man who took working with the band very, very seriously. Despite the many challenges the band faced as a whole, Elder Willimas never wavered in his belief the the Virginia State Marching Band was the greatest marching band in the kingdom and that the destinctive state colors of Red and White set us apart from all others.
He touched the lives of so many young people, not just in Virginia, but throughout the kingdom; he set the bar high because he knew it could be reached, and he demanded perfection because it was obtainable.
Elder (Bro) Lawrence, I can see you now leading that great marching band of all the great musicians who preceeded you with that distinguished march of yours. And as you so often say, "on this most auspicious occasion" what a joy it is to be with the King. You will forever be missed.
Gerald Foreman
June 2, 2010
Elder Williams was a very special man with a special gift of teaching. He first told me as a child that I needed to switch instruments because the trombone was too big for me to march with, so I switched to trumpet when I moved. I just wish I could have gotten him the CD that he requested sooner. My prayer is with the family for the loss of a great man.
Gloria Davis
June 2, 2010
Peace to the family of Elder Williams. I did speak with him on last year and the year before and he was so so proud of my sons (Michael and Gerald Foreman). I expressed to him that he was the instrument that God used to instruct me to start Gerald on the trumpet in his childhood days when he wanted to play the trombone on the Va State Marching Band. He said "Gerald's arms are too short for the trombone". Gerald is now an instructor on the Concert Band and abroad. I remember Elder Williams and Bro. Herman Coleman doing such a fine job when I was a clarinet player on the Concert Band - some years ago - masters of music. What a pleasure to have met such great men. Family - hold your head up - "cherish the memories - because they are so precious"
St. Gloria (Cookie) Davis
N. Charlotte
June 2, 2010
I was sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Apostle C. Sutton, Pastor
Augusta, GA
June 2, 2010
May the God of Peace and Comfort be with you during your time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
St. Wilhemena Cornick and Family
Virginia Beach, VA
June 2, 2010
Elder Lawrence Williams will be missed and we thank God for knowing this great warrior for the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
From, Apostle C. M. McClain, Pastor
and members of (Burton) Virginia Beach, VA
Roshanda White
June 2, 2010
Eld. Williams will remain an outstanding example of a man. A scholar. A talented musician. A pillar.
Sending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. My prayers are with you.
June 2, 2010
Elder Lawrence Williams will be missed and we thank God for knowing this great warrior for the Lord.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
From, Apostle C. M. McClain, Pastor
and members of (Burton) Virginia Beach, VA
June 2, 2010
To the Williams Family,
Bro Laawrence as he was to his band students was and is still very dear to me. I'm glad I kept incontact. I best remember him for instilling in me that I was second to non and I had the power to make a difference in this world. I learned how to properly carry an election, But most of all I learned the real meaning of RESPECT from him. He treated all under him like his own. The Marching Bands, the House of Prayer Musical Family as a whole has lost a great man. You never know how you effect some one. I'm glad I let him know how special he was to me and the impact he made on my life. I had something to pass to my son from Bro Lawrence. No more pain or sickness for you now, but lots of love and precious memories will linger on forever.
My prayer of comfort to everyone
Love
Chavelia Carter-Tate
Former Virginia State Marching Band Member
Charlotte, North Carolina
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in Lawrence WILLIAMS's name
Memorial Events
for Lawrence WILLIAMS
How to support Lawrence's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lawrence WILLIAMS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
