Jesse Williams

Jesse C. Williams

MANSFIELD: Jesse Cleophus Williams, 97, passed this life on Thursday, July 2, 2015 in Sterling House.

Mr. Williams was born on Friday, November 23, 1917 to the late Samuel and Vernisha (Strong) Williams in Ayden, North Carolina and had lived in Mansfield the past 68 years. Jesse was employed with General Motors/ CPC Plant for 27 years retiring in 1985. An active member of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church he served on the Trustee Board, Senior Choir member, the assistant organizer of the Feed the Hungry Program which has continued every Wednesday at the church in his absence to this day. Jesse served his church as a former usher and custodian. He was an US Army veteran of World War II, a Past Worshipful Master of the Pride of Ohio Lodge # 80, member of the Order of the Eastern Star May Chapter # 62, United Auto Workers Local 549, lifetime member of the NAACP, and the American Legion Post # 676.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Mabel; six children, LaVerne (Robert) Westerfield, Mansfield, Bruce (Alice) Williams, Los Angeles, California, Edward (Brenda) Williams of Ridgefield, Washington, Denita Marie Parker, Columbus, Brian Williams, Virginia Beach, Virginia and Gloria Taylor, Berrien Springs, Michigan;

12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchild; three step sons, Gregory Ward, and Frank Wilkins, Columbus, and Michael Wilkins, Mansfield; eight step grandchildren; numerous step great grandchildren; sister, Grace "Lillian" Smith, Rockville, Maryland; and brother, Charles "C.L." Williams, Portland, Tennessee; a special daughter and son whom he thought of as his own, Willette Howard, and Barry Lawrence.

In addition to his parents Jesse was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Vernice (Young) Williams in 1987; six sisters; and six brothers.

Friends may call Thursday, after 2 p.m. in the Ruth Anna Lee Williams Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Services where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Masonic memorial services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Homegoing services will be held Friday, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with his pastor Dr. Derek Williams presiding and Jesse's sons Rev. Bruce A. Williams and Rev. Edward D. Williams delivering the eulogy. Interment will be in Mansfield Memorial Park Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Joint Veteran's Burial Detail.

The family will also receive friends at Jesse and Mabel's home, 290 Dale Ave. and the home of his daughter LaVerne, 516 Heineman Blvd. from 4-7 p.m. daily till day of service.

Friends are invited to leave condolences at www.williamsfuneralservices.com.