Jesse T. Williams

Jesse Teleferro Williams, Sr., the fourth child of George Allen and Carrie Cofield Williams, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, February 20, 1940. He departed this life on Sunday, April 25, 2021. Jesse attended public schools in Philadelphia, graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1958. A talented basketball player, he was recruited by Bluefield State College in West Virginia and by Maryland State College (MSC) now University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, Maryland. He attended MSC, where he further distinguished himself as a basketball player. In his senior year, Jesse made all CIAA First Team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and was a member of the Distinguished Service Chapter. Years later, Jesse returned to UMES to give back. He served as Chair of the Board of Visitors for 17 years; attended games and supported the Athletic Department; gave financial help to students in need and started the Pep Band. After graduation in 1962, he was recruited by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and was accepted in its management training program. He was the first Black basketball player on the Goodyear’s AAU team. The team was selected to go on a Goodwill Tour of the Far East, representing the United States. After joining Goodyear, he married his college sweetheart, Vernetta Brittingham. From this union two children were born, Jesse T. Williams, Jr. and Jesselyn Shawn Williams. Throughout most of his adult life, Jesse was a committed Christian. Moving around the country for Goodyear, Jesse and Vernetta were members of several churches in Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, and after retiring, Delaware. He served as Deacon in most of these churches. After being healed from cancer, Jesse promised to be a “loud mouth Deacon” who would tell all who would listen, of God’s goodness, grace and love. At the time of his death, he was a Deacon at Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Jesse leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, his loving wife Vernetta; son, Reverend Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr. (Gelanie) of New York and daughter, Jesselyn Shawn Williams Thompson of Maryland; four grandchildren, Jared, Jesse III, Camille and Nicholas; nieces, nephews and very special friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that contributions be made to the endowment funds of Jesse T. & Vernetta B. Williams, and the Athletics Department of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Jesse T. Williams

February 20, 1940 - April 25, 2021