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Jerry Williams Obituary
DOUGLAS - Jerry Williams, 69, of Eagle Dr., passed away on Fri. April 26, 2019 at UMass Memorial Hospital after an illness. He is survived by his wife and loving companion of 22 years, Ramona (Lachapelle) Williams.
He is also survived by 2 children, Demetrius Fuller and his wife Alexa of Medford, and Raevin Williams of Philadelphia, PA; Ramona's 4 children that he loved and cared for as his own; 6 grandchildren, including Miles Fuller, his "pride and joy" affectionately called "his sons son", as well as several nieces and nephews, and many great friends. He was predeceased by 4 siblings, Willy "James" Williams, Joseph Williams Jr., Charles Williams, and Elizabeth Nelson.
Born in Bay Michigan on Sept. 24, 1949 he was the son of Joseph and Annie Mae (Florence) Williams and grew up in Shaker Heights, Cleveland, OH. Jerry graduated from Boston University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Art and Art History, then furthered his education earning a Masters Degree in teaching at Cambridge College. He worked as an Art Professor at Quinsigamond Community College, where he adored his students and colleagues.
He was an avid chess player and was head of the QCC Chess club, and also started a small chess club at the Douglas Public Library. Jerry had a larger than life personality and enjoyed making people smile. He made beautiful artwork, loved to sing, write poetry, and absolutely adored children. He was a longtime member and enthusiast of the local area AA program.
Jerry's Celebration of Life will be held from Jackman Funeral Home, 7 Mechanic St., Douglas on Sat. May 11 at 12 noon. Calling hours will be held prior from 10- noon. His graveside service will follow in St. Denis Cemetery. To leave a condolence message for his family and view full obituary, please visit: http://www.JackmanFuneralHomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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for Jerry Williams
Sponsored by Jackman Funeral Home - Douglas.
Elizabeth
April 26, 2023
Elizabeth
April 26, 2023
Elizabeth
April 26, 2023
Elizabeth
April 26, 2023
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Elizabeth
April 26, 2023
I miss you everyday Brother. The kids still adore you. You're everything to us . I'll see you when I see you again
Elizabeth Karpowich
April 23, 2021
We all miss you more each day there will never be another you ever love you always ✝❤
I miss you Brother Love you
Elizabeth Karpowich
March 8, 2020
Michael Urbonas
March 7, 2020
I just started playing tournament chess again for the first time in 25 years and started looking up and reconnecting with old chess friends from decades back. Among the players I knew back then was Jerry Williams. I am very sorry to have just read that Jerry passed away in 2019. I wish to extend my belated condolences to Jerrys family.
Jerry was the most prolific player in all of New England (I remember reading in Chess Life magazine circa late 80s that Jerry was in the top 10 (maybe top 5?!) in total games played that year. I met him back when Saturday tournaments were held at Honeywells offices in Billerica, as well as weekend events at the Armenian Cultural Center in Watertown. He was an all around good guy and true lover of the game his entire life. His love for the game was truly contagious. Please know Jerry is missed by countless fellow lovers of the game of chess, myself included.
Go Patriots Brother
Elizabeth Karpowich
August 17, 2019
I love and miss you so much I never knew how much you mean to me or what our love meant I miss you Brother so much
Julian Norflet
August 16, 2019
I'm in shock. Professor Williams was a wonderful man. He inspired me. I loved his vibrant personality, his wisdom, kindness, and most of all his honesty. He memory lives on in the art he shared and students he taught. I am truly saddened by his passing. The world has lost a brilliant mind. My thoughts are with your family. You will not be forgotten. Thank you Jerry for encouraging dreams.
Jerry & His Queen
Elizabeth Karpowich
May 13, 2019
I went to Church yesterday the music was perfect for you The Lord is so great I miss you terribly my Brother I will see you again love you always
Peter and Marilyn Hickey
May 11, 2019
Dear Mona, So very sorry to hear the news of Jerry's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your Family.
God bless his precious soul.
Love, Peter and Matilyn
Mark Marshall
May 10, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I have never met anyone so
passionate about chess. He will be missed greatly. An unforgettable person!
Kaylee Rivera
May 7, 2019
He was an amazing caring and is one of the main reasons I'm still succeeding to this day ! He was an awesome man and Qcc won't be the same without him ! Condolences
D Lee
May 3, 2019
I'm so sorry. He is clearly stamped in the hearts and minds of his students and chess 'mates'. Let the peace of God bring you comfort, knowing that those precious in His memory are never forgotten.
Bernardo Iglesias
May 2, 2019
I met Jerry many years ago at the Boylston Chess Club when it was in Davis Sq. in Somerville. Jerry loved chess and my relationship was amicable. I told him one time in a chess dispute with another chess player: "Jerry, I am the TD and the Tournament Director is always right" that was the end of dispute. I will miss him.
Bernardo Iglesias
May 2, 2019
I met Jerry many years ago at the Boylston Chess Club/Boylston Chess Foundation when it was at Copley Sq and later at the Davis Sq headquarters.
He loved chess, and as a friend he was amicable, he did not have any other choice I was the Tournament Director an I told him I was always right, we really got along. I will miss him.
Bernardo Iglesias
Gerry Plante
May 2, 2019
I have known Jerry since 1983. Played exactly 40 rated chess games vs, Jerry.We ended up close to even.Our rivalry was like a Red Sox/Yankee thing.He was always intense when it came to chess.He sometime showed emotion,but what chess player doesn't?
As we traveled at times to the Brask Chess club he would talk about the love for his family,or the students he taught.He would mention chess players from the past to the present of how they became his chess family.Most chess players from MA or RI knew Jerry. The chess family of MA&RI were shocked to hear of Jerry's passing. He will be missed and may he rest with God.We all loved ya man!
Gerry Plante
Alonzo Ross
May 2, 2019
I really liked Jerry. He had a big heart and helped others. Kids loved him for his great sense of humor. I will miss him.
Alonzo Ross
William Shakalis
May 2, 2019
Jerry Williams will be sorely missed in the greater Worcester chess community. A passionate chess player, he engaged college chess clubs with his QCC team. His sense of humor and dedication was notable. We at Worcester State University chess will miss him. Condolences to all his family and friends.
Elizabeth Karpowich
May 1, 2019
I love you Jerry For so many reasons too many to list I will always live and remember your wisdom see you in Heaven my sweet brother ❣
Michael LeBlanc
May 1, 2019
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Jerry's family on his passing. I had the pleasure of playing against Jerry at the Sven Brask Chess Club in North Attleboro many years ago, from 1982-1986. He was a great guy! I enjoyed my chess games played with him, regardless of the result. Requiescat in pace, Jerry!
Michelle Belisle
May 1, 2019
To Jerry's children and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all. Sending love and healing light.
Matthew Polimeno
April 30, 2019
Professor Williams Family,
I want to send you all my deepest condolences. I was a student of Jerrys in one of his art classes this semester. Going back to school was rough after a year off but going to Jerrys class every week made it so much easier. I dont think I have ever had a professor as passionate as Jerry. He truly cared about our success and well being. Jerry always made us laugh to the point of getting teary eyed. He is by far one of the smartest and funniest professors I have ever had. His wit is unmatched. Thank you for making my first semester back, my best semester yet. You were more than a professor, but a mentor, companion and friend. Thank you Jerry. Miss you immensely already.
Joanne Keenan
April 30, 2019
Jerry, you will be sorely missed in the community that you so lovingly graced with your wit and charm for so many years. You were a great example of what being true to thine own self could bring into the world. Thank you for your brilliance, uniqueness, and dedication to teaching others that they to can thrive. I love you, my dear old friend, you rest now with the God you know so well. To all those near and dear to Jerry, my sincerest condolences, peace be with you at this, and all times.
Kathryn McNamara
April 29, 2019
Professor Williams always will remain an inspiration to me. I will always cherish him as an intelligent insightful professor, artist, and reputable for his great guidance. I thought of him as a phenomenal support for QCC, and his words of wisdom will never be forgetton. My most treasured memory would be when he was a motivational speaker for one of my other courses. He was more than a professor, he was a companion, and he made himself known as a professor, and a helping hand. I miss him a lot.
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