Jesse Allen Williams

Jesse Allen Williams, 83, went home to be with Jesus on July 21, 2017. He passed at Hospice of the Piedmont. Jesse was born August 23, 1933. His mother was Mildred Stinnie Williams (born Jan. 27, 1916 and deceased on June 23, 1991) and stepfather, Montague Williams (deceased). He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter, Kamea Julia Williams-Ferguson.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 60+ years, Betty Williams of Charlottesville, VA, daughters, Vivian Miller (Lansing, Ill.) Cynthia Mendy (Hardin County, Kentucky), Melinda Washington (Charlottesville, Virginia), Jessica Jackson and husband Kevin Jackson (Palmyra, Virginia). He is also survived by one sister, Mary Barbour and husband Charles (Charlottesville). He has four grandchildren, Nickie Williams, Precious Williams, Nicholas Miller and Naomi Jackson. He is survived by two loving great-granddaughters, Jada Williams and Ava Williams-Ferguson and two very dear friends, Earl Lockley and Arnold Armstrong. He is survived by a host of other relatives and friends.

Jesse graduated from Jefferson High School in 1951. His was the last graduating class of the historical African-American High School. While in high school, he enjoyed playing on their football team, the Jefferson Red Devils and was one of their best football players. Jesse Williams had a long career with the Centel Telephone Company of Charlottesville, Virginia. He began his career as a custodian, later became an engineer and retired as a supervisor. He also worked part-time at Kenneth Allen’s Store on Garrett Street, and after retirement, part-time at Food Lion.

Jesse valued education and was adamant that each of his four daughters would attend college, which they did. He helped to raise his grandchildren and transported them to school when they were young. He enjoyed spending time with his friends from Centel and was a proud member of the “Pig Roasters Club.”

Mr. Williams was a dedicated community worker. He believed that every person had the responsibility to vote. He was a faithful member and worker of the democratic party of Charlottesville and served on the Executive Board. He ensured that many citizens registered to vote, transported citizens to the voting polls and worked at the voting polls.

Mr. Williams was the first African-American to serve on the Charlottesville Dogwood Board in 1978. He helped to create and implement the Charlottesville Community Service Officers program in 1977. He served as Vice Chairman on the Charlottesville Housing and Redevelopment Board, served on the Welfare Advisory Board and served on one of the Charlottesville Police Chief Search committees. Mr. Williams was a member of the local NAACP for many years. Mr. Williams also enjoyed swimming and gardening.

Funeral services will be held on _________________ at Cherry Avenue Christian Church, 1720 Cherry Ave., Charlottesville, Virginia at 11:00 am with Reverend Paul Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, South 1st St

Charlottesville, VA. The family will receive friends from _______ pm on _______________ at ________________. Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so online at www.__________________

Special thanks to JABA Adult Daycare, Charlottesville, VA. The staff was kind and provided our father with many wonderful activities and memories. JABA became his extended family. Special thanks to Blue Ridge Pace of Charlottesville, who provided unprecedented support and resources during our most difficult time. Thanks to the nurses and doctors who provided gentle, thoughtful care during his stay on 3East at University of Virginia Medical Center. Thanks to Hospice of the Piedmont for providing compassionate care during his final days.