Marshall Williams

WILLIAMS Marshall Marshall Williams, 92, passed away February 4, 2007. A native of Leland, Mississippi, he moved to Toledo at a young age with his family where he attended Toledo Public Schools. He joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Elijah Benton. Marshall held various jobs in different cities, the turning point in his employment was with Community Traction Transit after overturning their policies of not hiring people of color. As a result, he was the first person of color, in Toledo, to drive buses, trackless trolleys and streetcars. For 36 years, Marshall and his wife were owner operators of "Marshall's Maintenance & Janitorial Service". He received many outstanding awards from his church, the NAACP, City of Toledo, State of Ohio and other community service organizations. He served his former church, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, as Trustee and Treasurer and served his current church, United Missionary Baptist Church in the same capacities. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lena, of 48 years; parents and three brothers. Survivors are a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, his church family and many special friends. His motto, "If you put God first, you can live off the crumbs of life." Special thanks to Patti Knight of Hospice Center and the staff of Waterford Commons. Visitation will be Thursday, 4-6 p.m. with wake service to follow 6-8 p.m. Amazon Masonic Lodge #4. Rites will be held at 7 p.m. all in the Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service Friday, 10 a.m. at United Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Robert G. Bass, Pastor. Rev. Bernard Crayton of Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church, Louisville, KY, Eulogist. Interment, Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.