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Emery Williams Obituary
SPARTANBURG, SC-- Emery L. Williams, 65, passed on April 2, 2014. Emery and his twin sister, Emily, were born on August 27, 1948 in East Chicago, IN. They were twin children of the late Emery and Dolores Chambers Williams.
Emery was a 1966 graduate of E.C. Washington High School. Williams matriculated at Lincoln University of Jefferson City, MO; he was a 1971 graduate of Indiana University of Bloomington, IN.
After graduation, Emery resided in Chicago, IL. For twenty-four years he lived in California; he resided in San Francisco and later resided in Los Angeles, California. His professional career included risk management and vice-presidential positions with Travelers Insurance and Marsh & McLennan Companies. After his retirement, Emery served as Chief Financial Officer with The J. W. Woodward Funeral Home, Inc. in Spartanburg, SC.
Williams was an active and devoted member of Abundant Life Church of Los Angeles for more than twenty years. After moving to Spartanburg, SC, Emery joined The Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church. Emery was a profoundly faithful member of Silver Hill, where he tirelessly served in many capacities. Williams worked in leadership positions with the Ministries Council, The United Methodist Men, The Breakfast Program of the Center of Hope, The Men's Monday Bible Study, The Adult Sunday School Class and The Men's Choir.
In his church and community involvements, Emery served with honor, joy and unparalleled enthusiasm.
Initiated at Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Indiana University, Brother Emery Williams served in leadership positions with the highest distinction, serving as Polemarch for the Spartanburg (SC) Alumni Chapter and serving as the Local Planning Committee Chairman for the 57th Southeastern Province Council of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Emery served Kappa Programs, both Collegiate and Alumni, with dedication.
Williams enjoyed sports; he inspired "a love of the game" in others. Emery, fondly known as "Sonny", "Twin" and "E", will be sorely missed by: his wife, Kay; his children, Tamra and Brian Drees, Dolores Durham Williams, Stinson Woodward Ferguson and James C. Ferguson, Jr.; his grandchildren, Benjamin J. Hill, Sophia and Alex Drees, James, Damihje and Jordan Ferguson and Kameron; his sisters, Pamela Williams and twin sister, Emily Alim; his aunt, Rebecca (Woodrow Bradford) Robinson; his uncle, Edgar L. Spikes; his cousins; the Powell and Durham families; treasured friends; loving church family and community colleagues.
A Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Life of Emery L. Williams will be held on Thursday, April 10th, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, John B. White Blvd, Spartanburg, SC. Interment will be in Fern Oak Cemetery of Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Emery L. Williams Memorial Fund, which benefits the Community Fund of the Spartanburg County Foundation, care of The Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or visit wwwspcf.org
Condolences may be sent to the Williams family at: www.jwwoodward funeralhome.com
J. W. Woodward
Funeral Home
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emery Williams
GWENDOLYN V ODELL
March 31, 2025
Altho the many years have passe d, I still think of the love he showed to you and family during my visits......You will always be in my thoughts & prayers.....Cousin Gwen in DE.
A
Wendy Amos
March 31, 2023
Deay Kay
My heart is always with you. I am so privilegedto have met Emery at your home and had such a great feeling about him and the love to two of you shared.
blessings multiplied with love
Your cousin Wendy in NYC
Barbara Weisz
March 31, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Queenie Kerns
April 2, 2019
"What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch. To Kay and to the Williams Family, we may not understand why Emery left this earth so soon, or why he left before you and the family were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, you begin to remember not just that he died, but that he lived. And that his life gave you, the family and all others he touched memories too beautiful to forget"
Tom and Barbara Weisz
April 24, 2014
With our deepest sympathy. Emery was a part of our lives for many years at Travelers. We will always remember his smile and his warm heart.
Suzanne Schweska
April 19, 2014
My deepest condolences to your entire family. Sending Love, light and God's healing energy to all. The Schweska family.
Ramona Farr-Lindsay
April 16, 2014
Keeping you in my prayers. God bless and keep you strong.
Linda Brown
April 16, 2014
Mrs. Williams "Kay" and family. I am truly sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family during this time of bereavement. May God continue to comfort and bless you'll.
Tyrone & Valerie Reid Dawkins
April 15, 2014
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING YOUR TIME OF GRIEF. MAY YOU WONDERFUL MEMORIES AND JOYFUL TIMES YOU SPENT TOGETHER BRING YOU COMFORT.
Beryl Guy-Hawkins
April 15, 2014
My heartfelt condolences for the Williams family. May you be touched with peace and strength that only GOD can give you. A friend from Gary Roosevelt, Gary, Ind.
Regina Schweska
April 14, 2014
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With Loving Energy and Light.
Regina Schweska, Cameron Mayes and Family
Kym William
April 14, 2014
To the Williams family, so very sorry for your tragic loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Shakeh Young
April 13, 2014
My deepest sympathy to you dear Kay, and your family in your time of grief.
Shirley
April 12, 2014
To all of the Williams family, I was so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. May God give you the strength to get through this trying time. My sisters and brother-in-law family knew Emery and had nothing but praise for him.
April 12, 2014
Kay & extended Family - (Woodward, Ferguson and Williams) & J W Woodward Staff:
May the Lord Bless and comfort you during this time of grief. The Bell Family extends our sincere condolences.
Rosa L. Bell / Bell Family
Claties Jones-Eldridge
April 12, 2014
To the Williams family my heart is broken over the loss of our loved one. May God hold you in his arms and grant you everlasting peace.
Lee Jackson (Busby-Carter)
April 12, 2014
To Pam, Emily, and Emery's Family:
Since Emery and I were both from EC, he was my real "home-boy" while we were students at IU. I have such great memories of Emery on campus, particularly those events related to his being on line or our participation in campus demonstrations for civil rights. He was always appropriate, welcoming, and kind.
May the Lord bless each of you as you sojourn through this period of grief. I thank God for Emery's life well-lived!
April 12, 2014
My thoughts and prayers with the family of Emery (& his friend Carlyle H. Chapman Jr.) I am so sorry for your loss. May God Comfort All of You during this time of sadness and surround You with His Divine Love.
Margaret A Oglesby (sister-in-law of Carlyle H. Chapman)
Wayne & Andre Hobson
April 11, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the Williams Family.
Jacqueline Hurt-Hart
April 11, 2014
My prayers are with the entire family. Emery will be missed and remembered by all as a wonderful person. Thank God for the great memories in left in our hearts.
Dan Longoria
April 11, 2014
Rest in peace, from Dan Longoria & fam.
Olivia Vince
April 11, 2014
Thanks for all the good times at WHS, and for being one of the nicest guys I ever knew. My sympathy to the family... and Rest In Peace my friend.
Don Paunovich
April 11, 2014
To Pam, Emily and Williams Family. My deepest sympathy goes to you all. I am saddened to hear of this senseless loss. I remember Sonny from our ECW days, and also when he and I both lived in SF in the 70's. I'd occasionally see Sonny on the bus as he and I each headed off to work. He would always flash that big smile and say "Hey". I'll remember Sonny and his family in my prayers.
Leon Morrison
April 11, 2014
RIP
Don Silas
April 11, 2014
Bro' Emery, we've all got one more "sands" to cross. Until then RIP and I'll see you on the other side. Phi Nu Pi.
Melba Miller
April 11, 2014
May the strength and peace of God be with you at this difficult time.
Mr & Mrs Maceo Black Jr.
April 11, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 11, 2014
Kay,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your beloved Emery R.I.P (rejoice in praise)!
To God be the glory!!!
We Love you,
Rosavelt & Vanisha Copeland
yvonne reeder
April 11, 2014
Stinson, as a fellow DLI .member, my heart is deeply saddened for your loss. God is able to shower you with love that strengthens you and your family to get through this sadness and difficult time of your lives. I will pray often for you!!!
Friend forevet,
Yvonne Reeder
April 11, 2014
Kay & Family,
May the Lord keep you all in perfect peace during your time of bereavement.
We love you!
Thelma & Terrell Dawkins
Otis and Arlene Smith
April 11, 2014
To Kay, the Williams family, friends and colleagues: our deepest sympathy go out to you all during this time of beaurevment.
Kay, please know that you and your family will be in our prayers. May God's grace be with you now and in the days to come. Blessings to you all.
Elaine Chiles
April 10, 2014
Dear Kay and the Williams family: I thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May God comfort and keep you in the days to come. I am praying that for each of you.
Faye Dukes-Howard
April 10, 2014
My condolences and prayers to the Williams Family.
Clarence, Roberta, & Sharon Dendy
April 10, 2014
Dear Kay
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sincerely,
Linda Clayton Brown
April 10, 2014
My prayers and condolences to the Williams family,may the peace of GOD comfort you.
Marion Sweet
April 10, 2014
My prayers and condolences go out to the family.
Etta Fowler Irby
April 10, 2014
Dear Kay: My family and I would like to wish you peace beyond understanding. The kindness you and your husband have extended to the community will be given back to you and hold you in this time of grief. Etta Fowler Irby, High School Classmate
Darlene Holmes
April 10, 2014
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved brother and friend. We pray strength for the family, now and in the days that follow.
Ed Williams
April 10, 2014
A life well lived and a loving spirit of giving to all who needed his help. Memories are so plentiful for such a wonderful man and his family. We thank God for his gift and treasures.
Ed Williams and family
April 10, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
Min. Harry & Karla Tyson
April 10, 2014
Kay & Family
You have many precious memories, and although no words can erase the loss you must feel, we pray that those memories will help you through this most difficult time and bring the family comfort. The Tyson and Stewart Family will be praying for you.
April 10, 2014
Condolences to The Williams Family. Keith J. Walker and family.
David & Helen Downing
April 10, 2014
Kay Woodard & Family,
God is with you, blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Reminding you warmly how much others care and would like to bring comfort somehow, and hoping you feel that God's presence is with you, supporting and helping you now, because we care. With Deepest Sympathy,
BRENDA DAVIS
April 10, 2014
TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE EMERY WILLIAMS,PAM AND EMILY WILLIAMS MAY GOD COMFORT YOU AT THIS SAD TIME WHEN MEMORIES LAST AND CARRY ON. A LOVED ONE'S NEVER TRULY GONE.COMFORT MAY A SONG THAT REMINDS COME IN MANY WAYS- A SONG THAT REMINDS YOU OF A SPECIAL MOMENT, AN OLD PHOTOGRAPH OF A HAPPY TIME, THE KNOWLEDGE THAT,IN GOD'S ARMS, YOUR LOVED ONE SHARES THE SAME MEMORIES.
WITH SYMPATHY IN YOUR TIME OF LOSS
BRENDA KELLY, DAVIS
CLASS OF 1966
E.C.WASHINGTON
April 10, 2014
Kay
God is our refuge, an ever presence help. We extend our hearfelt sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
~ Johnny & Vickie Woodruff~
Laura Corpus
April 10, 2014
Dear Emily,
I was saddened to hear of Emery's passing. I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Laura Corpus
ECW "66"
Chip Walters
April 10, 2014
Praying for God to overwhelm you with His peace, His mercy, and His love in this time of great loss. Our hearts hurt for you. Praying without ceasing for your peace.
Dale Peace
April 10, 2014
Dear Pam & Family:
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family as you celebrate the life of Emery. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
The Liggins Family
Diane Jones Dillard
April 10, 2014
Pam & Emily,and the Williams/Woodward family. My deepest condolences and prayers that God will strengthen and keep you during this most difficult time as you celebrate a truly beautiful man and a life well-lived.
Rev. Jerry & Lou Jones
April 10, 2014
Our prayers are with you and your family that God will give you strength and comfort you. John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.
Pat Fointno
April 10, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. I have known this family for many years and I am deeply saddened by the loss of Emery. My prayers are with you. Much love.
Rosalind Simpson Curry
April 10, 2014
So sorry for you lost, you all are in my prayers.
JEFF MEADOWS
April 10, 2014
Dear KY AND family,
I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AND GOD CONTINUE TO BE THAT BEACON OF HOPE FOR YOU. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
Rev.Arnold and Stella McJimpsey Sr.
April 10, 2014
Dear Kay,
We send you and your family our deepest sympathy.Hold onto GOD'S unchanging hands and he will turn your sorrow into memories of joy.Our prayers are with you and your family.
Adrienne Jefferies
April 10, 2014
Stinson im praying for you and your family...Love you!!!
Rev. Shirley Gray
April 9, 2014
You and your family are in my prayers;
Rev. Shirley Gray and the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church family.
Rochell & Cookie Dean
April 9, 2014
Kay, There are no words, but please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.Remembering with you, the life of someone so dear. We love you and if there is anything we can do for you, just let us know.
Wendy Amos
April 9, 2014
Dear Kay and family
Angels walk among us in ways we do not know, to shelter us beneath their wings and set our hearts aglow.
With love, condolences, deepest sympathy and blessings multiplied
Your cousin Wendy
Clarence B. Almonor
April 9, 2014
Kay and family, I send my deepest sympathy and condolences. Mr. Williams was very impactful to my life, and was a genuine role model to me. He provided valuable life lessons that I will cherish forever. My prayers are with you and your family.
Daniel Goodwin
April 9, 2014
Kay and family, know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you all during your observance of this incredible loss. You have the assurance that God will continue to guide you through this difficult time.
Brad and Laura Rawson
April 9, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to you Kay, and Emery's family. A tragic loss.
April 9, 2014
My God's Grace and Mercy comfort you during this trying time. I am praying for your strength to trust in God always.
Boncile D. McCollum
Wilesha Davis
April 9, 2014
You are in our prayers. May God comfort you and your family. Wilesha
Davis and Verbina Creamer.
Verbina
April 9, 2014
Kay and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, I can only imagine what you must be going through. I pray to God to give you courage to overcome this grief. May God bless you, and endow you with his love and care. Stay Strong.
Dorothea Jones & Family, Spartanburg, SC
April 9, 2014
Kay,
May God strength you and the Williams family. Trust in the Lord and he will bring you through. Willie Josephine McBeth
Lynda Browne
April 9, 2014
To Kay, Emily and Pam
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult period. Emery (Sonny) will truly be missed.
Always
Lynda and Anika Browne
Jimmy,Kim and Jacoby Harris
April 9, 2014
To the Williams and Woodward family weeping endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.
Booker Sears
April 9, 2014
To Mrs.Kay Woodward and Family
Trust in The Lord with all thy heart,and
lean not to thine own understanding and
He will direct thy paths .We at The Goodwill
Baptist Church Bronx,N.Y. are lifting you and your
family in prayer.Rev. Dr.Booker T. Sears,Jr.
Myra Roberts
April 9, 2014
Kay and Family, I am so sorry for your loss . You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bank Of America Main Office
April 9, 2014
Kay and Family,You have our deepest sympathy.We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gerald Dendy
April 9, 2014
Kay,
May the Dove of Peace embrace you and the family during this most difficult time. Our prayers and condolences go out to you, now and always! With the help of family and friends I pray you find peace at Godspeed!
With Deepest Regret,
Gerald Dendy (for the Dendy family, your cousin Clarence's family)
Barbara Duncan & Family
April 9, 2014
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, The LIGHT Of The World. Strenghthen and Uphold this Family. Love and Peace to you all. My Deepest Sympathy.
April 9, 2014
Kay..... may love for you and your family will always be forever. Larry .......
Gloria Crocker
April 9, 2014
Kay, Please except my sincere expression of sympathy to your and Emerys family. I pray that Christ will strengthen and comfort you as you go through this season of grief.Just know that you are not alone.
Kevin King
April 9, 2014
My condolences to the Williams family. Although, I didn't know Brother Williams, I do know that he came from good stock. My prayers go out to his friends, family and all those in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
April 8, 2014
Kay, sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Arthur P McMahan (Springfield , VA)
April 8, 2014
Emery , words can never express how much Pam & I love you. Sands, we will miss you terribly. We know that God has a plan and we accept this. We will love you always, your sands David DeFrantz
Theo Mitchell
April 8, 2014
To the family of the late Mr. Emery Williams: Candii and I are saddened to have heard of your loss. We wish that you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy, Former SC Senator Theo W. Mitchell and Candii Scott
Annie M Booker
April 8, 2014
Dear Kay,
I didn't know Emery but plese now that my thoughts and prayers are continually going out and up for you, your family and friends of Emery. May God grant all of you peace in these trying times -- now and forever more.
April 8, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phanes and Sandra Barno
(Spartanburg, SC)
Albert and Joan Goode
April 8, 2014
Kay and Family, you have our deepest sympathies. The Clowney and Goode Families of Newark, New Jersey.
LaKesha Clawson
April 8, 2014
Our Prayers are with you in your time of sorry! We are keeping the Williams family in our prayers!
~The Cohen Family
(LaKesha and Marie Clawson)
Rev. Raymond &Cynthia Woods
April 8, 2014
May God continue to strengthen you Kaye and your family durning this time of bereavement,our prayers are with you.
April 8, 2014
To a brother and friend, you know I loved you big time. God takes care of us all and I know that you are in a better place. We will keep Kay and your family in our prayers.
Eddie & Rosalind Qualls
Pastor Allen and Karen Dawkins
April 8, 2014
Our prayers are with you and the Williams family at this most difficult time. May you sense God's presence and peace in the midst of your loss.
Dian Baskin
April 8, 2014
To Kay and Family, You have been there to comfort my family and many others during times of sorrow and I truly hope that you know that we are Praying to God for your comfort also.
Love to you all
Isaac,Darlene& Antwan Dickson
April 8, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Rhonda Littlejohn
April 8, 2014
Kay,your family is in our prayers. You have touched so many lives in the Spartanburg and surrounding communities. May
God continue to Bless You. The Smith and Littlejohn families
Frances Holmes
April 8, 2014
To Kay and family
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God continue to bless you!!
Sheila Smith
April 8, 2014
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Nellie Porter
April 8, 2014
He is in God's arms and may he wrap you in his arms during this difficult time.
Sarah Boyd
April 8, 2014
You are in my prayers. God Bless you!
Ella Williams
April 8, 2014
With sincere and deepest sympathy.
Renee Miller
April 8, 2014
Hope that knowing you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many of the lives that you have touched help to bring you comfort in the coming days. Keep looking to the hills and when God says No it is because He wants us to accept His will.
Love to you and your family.
Renee Bowman Miller
Rudy Long
April 8, 2014
The passing of a loved one gives us a brief reflection of our own mortal being
It is our love and memories of the joyous and precious times spent together that makes them immortal
to us as time goes by.
May you forever have comfort in knowing the love the two of you have is sacred and spiritually everlasting.
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and the family.
April 8, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charlene Brown
April 8, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Councilman Robert Reeder and Family
April 8, 2014
To the Woodward and Williams Family,
God's merciful kindness is ever present! Allow Him to comfort you as you as you celebrate Emery's life and embrace the Joy of the Lord as as you press into your tomorrows.
Praying with you
Councilman Robert and Mrs. Robert Reeder and Family
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