Lionel Michael Williams Jr.

Lionel Michael Williams, Jr. went to sleep in death on May 1, 2020 @ 10:30AM in New Orleans, LA. Mr. Williams was born on April 2, 1952 to the union of Lionel M. Williams Sr. and Sylvia (DuConge) Williams. He was a lifelong New Orleanian. He is proceeded in death by his parents and his dear daughter Kelly (Williams) Perkins. He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Joan Marie Williams; two sons Lionel Williams III, (Tracy) and Damayon Vining (Twila) [through his union with the late Gwenette Williams]; three daughters, Melanie D. Williams, Shaun L. Phillips (Marvin Phillips), and Chloe A. Williams [through his union with the late Lou Verda Smith Williams]. Also grieving his loss are his stepchildren, Antonius T.M. Charles and Arny R.A. Johnson; his siblings Barry Williams (Allison), Cheryl Brackens (Raymond), Pamela Crockett, Donna Nicholson (Edmond) and Gale Veal. Lionel is also survived by seventeen loving grandchildren, Reko Williams, Tyson Reedy, Jaedyn Reedy, Savanna G. Williams, Haile S. Williams, Dejah R. Perkins, Skylar Perkins, Candace Vining, Darian Vining, Jayden Vining, Taylah A. Vining, Joshua J. Vining, J'Tonia Charles, Darryl Johnson, Cyril Johnson, Antonius Charles Jr, and Monique Charles. The things most important to Lionel were his Faith, Family and Friendships. First and most important was his relationship with his Father, Jehovah. He dedicated his life to the doing of Jehovah's will on April 5, 1975, that date was more poignant than that of his birth. It marked the beginning of his most important occupation, that of being a minister of the Good News as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. His faith motivated him in everything he did. Serving as an elder in the Lake Forest Congregation, Lionel along with the body of elders worked tirelessly responding to recent events related to the Covid-19 pandemic and making adjustments in Theocratic activity to ensure that his brothers and sisters in the congregation could continue to be spiritually fed and active. Lionel had a number of privileges throughout his service to Jehovah, handling them dutifully and with humility. Among his many privileges was serving as Secretary in the Lake Forest Congregation. He was a regular pioneer and at one time served as the coordinator of the body of elders at the New Orleans Esplanade congregation. Lionel was privileged with presenting Bible-based talks at many circuit and regional events; he worked in the Sound, Baptism and Media Service departments at various assemblies and conventions. He also shared in the building and remodeling a number of Kingdom Halls in the painting department thought the region. While working hard in these assignments he recognized that his first priority was the spiritual welfare of his children, not leaving to chance their spiritual needs and that of his wife. He valued friendships, experiencing both joy and humor with them. It was funny to see them use "made up" words and phrases that only they knew or could remember. Lionel was a good husband, father and friend. We will all miss his warmth and wisdom. But Lionel would have absolutely have wanted us to take courage in Jesus words at John 5:28-29, "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". We have the assurance that before long Jehovah will awaken His dear Servant, Lionel M. Williams Jr. to a world that's peaceful and new, a world with no more sorrow and pain.