Dr. Everett Joseph Williams Jr.

We are sad to announce the passing of Dr. Everett Joseph Williams, Jr., on Sunday, July 28, 2013. Dr. Williams was 82 years old. He was the eldest son of the late Everett and Janie Williams. Dr. Williams was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 29, 1930. He was selected as the first African-American Superintendent of Orleans Parish Public Schools. He earned his B.A. and M.A. from Xavier University and his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He retired from Orleans Parish Schools and worked as the Vice President of Community Relations for Freeport-McMoran. He continued to serve this community by volunteering on several non-profit civic boards. In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, he served on the Archbishop's Community Appeal as the first African-American Chairman in 1996. Additionally, he served on the board for Catholic Charities, Catholic Foundation, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Xavier University, Notre Dame Seminary, Holy Rosary Academy and St. Joseph Seminary College. In 2010 he received the Pope John Paul II Award for his lifetime of service. In the greater New Orleans community, he served on the board of UNITY for the Homeless, Bridge House, Children's Hospital, the Medical Center of Louisiana, the Blood Center of Louisiana, Baptist Community Ministries, School Leadership Center of Greater New Orleans and the Harvard Urban Superintendent's Program Advisory Board. Until his death, Dr. Williams chaired the Education Committee for the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation and served as a Deacon within the Archdiocese of New Orleans at both Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. He has been married to Melva Borris for 58 years and together they have three children: Melva Maureen, Eileen Therese, and the late David Anthony. He leaves to mourn his sisters, Mary (Charles) and Kathleen, and his brothers, Ronald (Marie) and Freddie (Cheryl). He is preceded in death by his sisters, Shirley (Ned) and Mary Jean, and his brothers, Alvin (Opal) and Gerald (Sedonia). He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Rita Catholic Church, 2729 Lowerline St., in New Orleans, on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. A recitation of the Rosary will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred and/or donations made to Unity for the Homeless or Xavier University. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.