Rev. Joseph Wayman Williams Jr.

Rev. Joseph Wayman Williams, Jr. waited patiently and faithfully upon the Lord. As his strength was renewed, he mounted up with wings on Tuesday, October 16, 2012, and entered his eternal home. Rev. Williams was the first born to the union of the late Rev. Joseph Wayman Williams, Sr. and Naomi Irene Gale Williams. He was born on January 6, 1922 and was raised in a Christian home in Fruitland, Maryland. He received his early education through the Wicomico County School System. He graduated with honors from the Wicomico High School in 1939. He attended the Maryland State College (currently known as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore) in Princess Anne, Maryland. He continued his education at Kittrell Seminary, Kittrell, North Carolina where he received a BS degree. His additional studies continued at the American University in Washington, DC. He served in the United States Armed Forces and was stationed in the Philippines during World War II and received an honorable discharge in January of 1946. On December 25, 1946 he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, the late Anita Ernestine Showell. From this beloved union, he became a proud father of three children. His daughter, Viola Celeste and two sons, Jon Henri and Showell. The two shared a beautiful union until Anita was called home on October 25, 1987. In November of 1988, he married the late Elenora M. Greene. Elenora's love carried Joseph through the 21st Century until she was called home on March 24, 2011. Being a preacher's kid, allowed Joseph to always know the word of God. He was raised in church and confessed to Christ and was baptized at the Mount Olive A.M.E. church in his home town, Fruitland. His spiritual growth was shown through his Christian life and God's destiny for him lead to his call to minister. In 1952 Joseph was ordained and began his first pastoral duties at St. Johns A.M.E. Church in Pocomoke, Maryland. This call on his life and the obedience to follow Christ, stretched his pastoral duties to many ~ many churches. In 2003, Rev. Williams retired from Scott's United Methodist as pastor. However, he did not retire from the calling on his life. As an active participant of the Easter Seals Adult Day Care, Rev. Williams enjoyed teaching and declaring God's word on a weekly basis. Rev. Joseph Wayman Williams Jr. enjoyed life and family time. He was known for telling old stories of his life experiences. He loved traveling (with his sons) and singing, especially old songs and hymns. Recently, due to his failing health, his pass-time was spent doing puzzles, word search, playing cards, and scrabble. But most of all, he wanted to be on the go! He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles and grandson, Marcus. Those left to cherish his memory are: his daughter, Viola Celeste (Bruce) Moore; his sons, Jon (Christine) Williams and Showell Williams; Step-son, Gary Greene; Four granddaughters, Nicole Williams, Marcia Jones, Monica Williams, and Caryn Moore; Five step grandchildren Gary Greene, Brianne Greene, Gemya Greene, Jaedyn Greene, Nevaeh Smith; Eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren; One sister, Alice (Theodore) Davis of Fruitland, Maryland; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and dear friends. When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "1t is well with my soul. "

Rev. Joseph Wayman Williams Jr.

January 6, 1922 - October 16, 2012