Jethro Williams

Jethro (Jay, J.C.) Carl Williams was born March 9, 1940 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to Jones E. and Annie B. Williams. He was the fifth of eight children, and grew up on the campus of Elizabeth City State University, which served as a building block for his call to service in the field of education. He attended P.W. Moore High School and graduated in 1958, having served as Student Body President and Captain of the Varsity Football team as a junior and senior. He was known about campus as “Ironman.” His sense of responsibility and work ethic were developed at an early age, as he started his own shoe shine business as a student in the eighth grade. Upon graduating from high school, Jethro attended Elizabeth City State College, now University. After completing one year, he decided to withdraw, so that his younger brother, Elwood, could attend instead. Jethro elected to enlist in the United States Army in 1960, and became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He earned the rank of Sergeant after 17 months of service and served his country for three years. While in the service, he met his future bride, Anna Briggs, an aspiring teacher herself, from Wilmington, North Carolina, who was transferring from Elizabeth City. He helped her with her books and boxes at the bus stop and in turn, she gave him her address. They were married June 24, 1967. Two days after being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Elizabeth City State to complete his education. There he served as editor of both the student newspaper and yearbook for two years and was a member of the football team as well. He received many honors and awards during his matriculation and was selected for Who’s Who during his junior and senior years. As a sophomore, he was initiated into the Beta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He graduated from Elizabeth City State College in 1967, with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Upon graduation, Jethro began his career in teaching, serving as an instructor of English and Reading at Queen Anne’s County High School, located in Centreville, Maryland. Mr. Williams served in that position for two years before accepting the position of Director of Admissions for what was then known as Delaware State College. At the start of his tenure at Delaware State, student enrollment was listed at 888 students. At the time of his retirement in 2002, student enrollment had grown to 3,024. In the course of administering his responsibilities as Director of Admissions, Mr. Williams accepted over 10,000 students for matriculation at the University and spoke to over 90,000 students in both large and small groups. His contribution was not simply limited to increasing enrollment; he also was very much involved in student life and devoted himself to not only the academic growth, but the character development of every student he met. In 1970, he founded and became the advisor of the Delaware State Gospel Choir, which under his leadership, grew from a membership of two, to over 160 members. This great choir traveled throughout the United States and produced and recorded the school’s first live album entitled “Take Me There.” Mr. Williams also served as Chairman of the Homecoming Committee for 24 years and was responsible for coordinating participation in that event with many area high schools, both from the State of Delaware, and the surrounding areas of Washington D.C., Maryland, and New York. With his encouragement and assistance, many of those very participants chose to attend Delaware State University upon graduation from high school. Mr. Williams’ work as chairman was evident in the success of the event, as his creativity and woodworking skills were seen in the floats he built, from the ground up, for the annual parade. Those skills were further showcased in the Pan-Hellenic shields crafted by his hands that were proudly displayed across the campus. After 33 years and two months of service to Delaware State University, he retired in 2002 and began his second career as a Charter Member and Director of Initial Operations at The Academy of Dover Charter School and ultimately served as the school’s Vice-Principal. Jethro and his family were faithful and longstanding members of Calvary Baptist Church since 1970. His experience with the Delaware State Gospel Choir provided him with the motivation to organize the Calvary Baptist Church Young Adult Choir in the winter of 1990, with the encouragement and endorsement of then Pastor Rev. Dr. Richard M. Avant. He and his wife’s love for children was evident, even in the church, as they spearheaded the creation of the Calvary Baptist Church Nursery, allowing parents the opportunity to worship knowing their children were being cared for with love and affection under their guidance. Throughout his career, Mr. Williams received over 100 awards and honors for his contributions of service in education. Some of his awards and honors include the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Man of the Year Award (1974, 1981), Outstanding Student Service Award, SGA (1982), the Kent County Action Agency Award (1987), the Delaware State College Employee of the Year Award (1991), the Henry Street Settlement Operation Athlete Education Award (1991), the City of East Orange, New Jersey City Council Education Award (1991), Inducted – DSU Alumni Hall of Fame (1997), the Delaware State University Award for Appreciation for Service (2002), the City of Wilmington Education Award (2002), Award of Appreciation, Camden, New Jersey Alumni Association (2002), Educator of the Year, Psi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (2007), the DEMCO—Shofar Educational Advancement Award (2007), Missionaries of Calvary Baptist Church Award (2007), and the Academy of Dover Service Award (2009). The one award he unofficially but unanimously received was for his renowned sweet potato pies, which developed a devoted following over the years, particularly during the holiday season. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 48 years, Anna Briggs Williams; his parents; and his siblings, Alphonso Williams, David Williams, Eula Moore, Franklin Williams and Lester Williams. The Lord took him home on June 22, 2018, and received Jethro C. Williams to his eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by his brother, Elwood Williams, sister Wanda Williams and his in-laws, Anna Briggs Moore and Reverend Aaron Moore. His amazing strength and spirit will be forever remembered by a host of extended family and friends, many of whom cared for him as he travelled the long road home to be with the Lord. 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Jethro Williams

March 9, 1940 - June 22, 2018