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FUNERAL HOME

Cathy M. Williams & Sons Funeral Home LLC

1695 Oakwood Ave

Alton, Illinois

Clayton Williams Obituary

CLAYTON R. WILLIAMS

ALTON — Retired Judge Clayton R. Williams, 96, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at Memorial Hospital, in Alton, Illinois. Judge Williams was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 2, 1920 to Richard and Margaret (Walker) Williams, both deceased. Judge Williams graduated from Alton High School in January,1939. In 1941, he was drafted into military service and served in the Army for more than three years during World War II. Following his discharge from military service, he returned to Alton and attended Shurtleff College where he majored in pre-law studies. He later attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois and Lincoln University (Missouri) School of Law. Shortly after receiving his law degree and passing the Illinois State Bar examination in 1954, he opened a private law practice in Alton.

In August,1951, Clayton married Virginia Tyler, a beloved teacher in the Alton Community School District. In 1956, they welcomed the birth of their only child, Shari Virginia Williams.

Judge Williams worked for several years as the Executive Director of the Madison County Legal Services Society and as an Assistant State's Attorney before receiving a groundbreaking appointment in 1973, when he became the first African American Associate Judge in the Illinois Third Judicial Circuit Court which serves Madison and Bond Counties. He continued in that position until his retirement in 1987.

Throughout his life, Judge Williams demonstrated tireless effort and dedication to the pursuit of equal justice for all people. For many years he served as an officer or member of the Boards of the Madison County Urban League, the NAACP, the Alton-Wood River Bar Association and the Madison County Bar Association.

After retirement, he resumed taking pilot lessons and enjoyed reading, listening to jazz and an occasional friendly poker game with friends. He appreciated well-prepared food and the company of close friends and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, his sisters and brothers-in-law Leona and Daniel Ewing; Olive and Lloyd (Sam) Davis; a nephew, Lloyd John Davis; a great nephew, Brionne Schneider; and his very dear friends, DeLoyce (Dee) McMurray, Emory Tate, Ed Welch and Melvin Henderson.

He is survived by his daughter Shari V. Andrews, beloved granddaughter Jamila A. Andrews, sister Nancy L. Williams and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and former colleagues who will always cherish the love, support and gentle guidance he gave throughout his life.

Visitation for friends and associates will be Wednesday, May 24th from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Cathy M. Williams & Sons Funeral Home, 1695 Oakwood Avenue, Alton, Illinois

Visitation will continue Thursday, May 25th from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. also at the funeral home

Burial Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors

The family requests that memorial tributes be made to The Clayton and Virginia Williams Foundation, P.O. Box 1041, Alton, Illinois 62002 in lieu of flowers.

Visit www.cvwfdn.org for information about The Clayton and Virginia Williams Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Telegraph from May 17 to May 21, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Clayton Williams

15 Entries

Christine James

May 25, 2017

My sincere condolences to the Family of Judge Williams.I will always remember his kindness!! R.I.P

Olive Walker

May 24, 2017

I loved my cousin Sonny. He was named after my father, Clayton Walker. Our family was so very proud of Judge Williams. Every time I saw him I greeted him with a kiss. I will dearly miss my cousin, but I thank GOD for every day of his life.

John Cernkovich

May 24, 2017

Judge Williams always conducted himself with dignity and fairness while serving on the bench. Moreover, I shall always treasure his friendship and sense of humor.

John Cernkovich

May 24, 2017

Judge Williams was an exemplary person, who conducted himself with dignity and fairness while serving on the bench. Moreover, I shall always treasure his friendship and sense of humor.

Peggy Underwood

May 22, 2017

Judge Williams was my first cousin and our family called him "cousin Sonny". I loved to make him laugh and to hear his deep chuckle. During his 50th wedding anniversary, I recall him saying" if Virginia(his wife) ever decided to leave him, she better pack his bags because he was going with her ",well his bags are packed and he is going to be with his love, the woman he has grieved for these past 10 years. He loved his wife ànd family and he lived by the belief that "family comes first". Case closed

edward jordan,jr.

May 20, 2017

from the Jordan family. we are deep sorry for the loss of one greatest lawyer of the alton community. heavan gain, earth loss, to god be the glory, we are going to miss you. a loyal, faith servant of word of god. right in peace, angel.

Eddie Unsell

May 19, 2017

I practiced in front of Judge Williams from day 1...Nov 1979...I have many good memories of him, witty, sometimes stern and always fair...one of my fondest was when he dismissed all of the states cases..with prejudice...because no one appeared at the docket on a snowy day...he figured if he made it in his old car...someone from the state could as well...rest in my peace my friend...Ediie Unsell

Jerry Lipchik

May 19, 2017

Rest in Peace Clayton. I always liked working as bailiff in your courtroom.

Dale Petersen

May 18, 2017

Judge Williams wife was my 6th grade teacher at Humboldt school 56 years ago. She taught me self-control. RIP. Dale Petersen

Robert Hertz, Retired Madison County Sheriff

May 18, 2017

I remember Judge Williams as a decent and dedicated judge who presided over criminal cases when I was a rookie detective. I always had a lot of respect for him and trusted the decisions he made. I wish his family the very best at this difficult time.

Judge Barb Crowder

May 18, 2017

I practiced in front of Judge Williams when I first started out here and have nothing but great memories of him. We should all aspire to be like him.

Gina Hargrave

May 18, 2017

I work in the Circuit Clerks office and have very fond memories. Sending prayers to your family

Joyce Kress

May 18, 2017

So sorry to hear this. I worked at the courthouse with Judge Williams many years ago. He was a very nice gentleman. Thoughts and prayers are being sent to his family.

Lola Maddox

May 18, 2017

I practiced as a young attorney before Judge Williams before joining him as an Associate Judge in 1979. We then served as Judges on the sane Court until his retirement. it was a pleasure knowing him and working with him. Rest in Peace. My condolences to his family.

Eric Robinson

May 18, 2017

My condolences at the death of Judge Williams. He brought stability to the Alton NAACP as president in the 1980s, doing a fantastic job. May he rest in peace. It is well-earned.

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