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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 Deacon Edward Williams Sr., son of the late Martha Williams and the late John Johnson, was born Wednesday, August 1, 1934, in Rafting Creek, Sumter County, South Carolina. He received his primary education at the former Catchall Road School in Sumter. In 1952, he left South Carolina to live in Richmond, VA, with his Uncle King, Aunt Josephine Coles, Aunt Emma Young and his brother, Stephen “BJ” Williams. There, he learned how to install septic tanks. On February 6, 1956, he married the woman of his dreams, the former Bernice Dawson, and their union was blessed with six children. As a faithful member of Turner Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Steelton, PA, he served as a Deacon, with the distinction of being the eldest Deacon of the church, as Trustee, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Director, Groundskeeper, Prayer Service Leader, Transportation Driver and with numerous other committees. Deacon Williams was known by many as “Boss Hogg,” “Mean Joe Green” and “Kush.” He sang with the renowned gospel singer, the late Gloria Spencer as a member of the United Male Aires as well as with the Angelic Gospel Aires and his quartet, the Gospel Harmonizers. Deacon Williams loved talking on his Citizens Band Radio and was part of the Stompers Citizens Band Club (CB). His other pastimes included part-time mechanic, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle and playing the guitar. He was an avid gardener and loved sharing his vegetables with the community. Deacon Williams retired from the Bethlehem Steel Plant, Steelton, PA, after many years of dedicated service. On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Deacon Edward Williams transitioned from labor to reward at the blessed age of eighty-nine. He was preceded in death by two sons, Edward Williams Jr. and Calvert Williams, three grandchildren and five siblings. Deacon Williams leaves a loving and faithful legacy to be honored and cherished by his devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Bernice (Dawson) Williams of Steelton, PA; three sons, Gregory B. Williams Sr. (Denise) of Harrisburg, PA, Ira F. Williams of Melbourne, FL, and Kenneth E. Williams of Steelton, PA; one daughter, Chevette D. Williams-Jefferies (Rashad) of Virginia Beach, VA; godson, Rev. Dr. Aaron Willford Jr. of York, PA; twenty grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren, twelve siblings and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Deacon Edward Williams

August 1, 1934 - January 11, 2024