Rev Dr James Samuel Williams Jr
November 16, 1933 - February 03, 2025
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Obituary For Rev Dr James Samuel Williams Jr
The Reverend Dr. James Samuel Williams, Jr. was a man of God, of family, and of the community. Born November 16, 1933 in New York City’s Harlem Hospital, Reverend Williams attended Robert R. Moton Elementary School and later its high school where he was successful in many activities including football, drama, and social action and activism. In 1951, while senior class president, J. Samuel Williams, Jr. joined Barbara Johns and his fellow classmates in protesting the inferior conditions of their school compared to the local White high school in Farmville.
He attended Shaw University, which was “fertile ground for continued academic and civil rights work,” from 1958-1962, after some time in various jobs and the U.S. Army. While there he helped organize the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to help students bring attention to the unfair treatment of African Americans. He also helped in boycotting lunch counters in Greensboro, NC. On the weekends, he would return home to preach at the famed First Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverence L. Francis Griffin, his “father in the ministry.” Reverend Williams was ordained as a minister on January 1, 1961 before completing his studies at the First Baptist Church and enrolled in the School of Religion at Virginia Union University (Seminary). He continued preaching the Gospel and participating in Civil Rights activist work becoming chairman of the Voter’s Registration League in Prince Edward County, in 1962, and helping to reactivate the NAACP Youth Council in 1963. Reverend Williams was among the thirty-two protestors who were arrested in front of Farmville Baptist Church while worshiping on its front steps, though sentenced to twelve months in prison, the case was overturned on appeal. He graduated from seminary in 1967 and went to work fully as a teacher and preacher of social action and social justice.
In 1962, Reverend Williams, affectionately known as Sammy, Junior, Dad, Da, Daddy, married Lyllie Ann Blanton from which emerged three daughters. In the same year that his youngest daughter was born, the Wiliams family moved to Buffalo, New York where they remained for almost ten years. When they returned to Farmville, Sammy continued his work for social justice and social action having worked in several community organizations. Ultimately, he would become Pastor of First Baptist Church in 1982 fulfilling a lifelong dream and providence.
Reverend Williams’ journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, overwhelming with hollering out and laughing loudly, telling jokes, and offering words of wisdom. Remember his deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and his unwavering commitment to spreading words of love, liberation, and justice. He should be remembered for the profound impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him and the rare gift he had for making us laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
Reverend Williams is survived by his wife, Lyllie B. Wlliams, his three daughters, Dr. Jamantha Williams Watson, Dr. Psyche Williams-Forson, and Dr. Omega Williams Wilson. His son-in-love, Isaac Dauda Watson, Jr., his step brother Stevie Williams, and sister-in-law Delores Hendricks. Rev was the cherished Papa of six grandchildren—Isaac Dauda Watson, III, James Samuel Williams Watson, AnnMarie Wilson, Marvin (Trey) Wilson, III (Jassmyn) and AbenaAnn Seven Forson. He also leaves behind a niece Dawn M. Woodward (Mike) and Timothy Hendricks (Christy). Three grandnieces Eunity Watkins (Ajavious), Summer-Breeze Woodward, Truth Woodward, and Saye Woodward. He also leaves behind a number of “family daughters,” most especially Naomi Allen Cerre, Brenda Copeland, Michelle Anderson Davis, Alexis Dixon, Theresa Gayle Jones-Foster, Felice V. Hines, Bronwen Millet, and Tanesha Weaver.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl Phillips, Azure Johnson, and Ariel Saunders for their exceptional care of "Uncle June", and to the Richmond Veteran Administration’s Dr. Elise A. Sedaris and Nurse Michelle Kelly during his time of need. Our sincere appreciation goes to the staff of the Moton Museum, particularly Cainan Townsend and Sherre Atkins, who celebrated Reverend Williams daily and as he entered his 9th decade of life. We are grateful to Dr. Larissa Smith, a valued friend and collaborator to our community scholar. The staff at Longwood University and Prince Edward County Community Library provided a welcomed third space for Reverend Williams’ intellectual stimulation and rejuvenation. We are deeply appreciative of Armstead "Chuckie" Reid and Williams Way neighbor Kristen Hess for their unwavering support, assistance, and care. Finally, we are profoundly thankful for the unparalleled prayers and encouragement from the Levi Baptist Church family and Pastor Larry C. Miles, Sr. who saw “Daddy” as more than a colleague and mentor but also as family. Thank you all.
Although our pastor, husband, father, uncle, friend, and loved one’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May you continue to “produce your thoughts and may God continue to strengthen you in spiritual awareness and the struggles of our people. God Bless you!”
Program
Services
Visitation
02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Family hour
05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Funeral Service
12:00 PM
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Condolences
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February 15, 2025
My prayers are to the Williams family. The measure of a man is not what he says about himself, but what others say about him.Dr Williams was a drum major for justice in P. Edward county and Farmville and his wisdom, vision and sprit will be missed.
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February 14, 2025
A Mighty Tree Has Fallen We are sending our deepest condolences to the family. What a POWERFUL personification of a BLACK MAN. All of our ANCESTORS are giving him a STANDING OVATION. Well Done Rev. Dr. Williams Danny and Valerie Williams
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February 13, 2025
Condolences to the family. God's comfort and strength. Baptist General Convention Area H District III Women's Ministry
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February 10, 2025
I don't have enough words to honor an amazing man, preacher and teacher. I cannot imagine going to Levi church and not seeing his face, listening to him preach or laughing at his jokes. He will be missed. I send condolences to the family and the church families, may God give you peace during your time of loss.
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February 08, 2025
My condolences to the family. He loved God and the community. He was a good and faithful servant. He will be greatly missed.
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February 06, 2025
Condolences to the family...A true soldier in the fight for civil rights and human rights. He will be greatly missed! Thanks for the knowledge and wisdom you shared.
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February 06, 2025
All talents used and multiplied with life mission spectacularly accomplished. Your last breath on earth was rewarded with your first breath in heaven. We will look for you in the stars! 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
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February 06, 2025
Pure knowledge and wisdom. We will miss you wisdom and knowledge.
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February 06, 2025
He was suck a great person and I know the community will miss him greatly. My sincere condolences to the family, friends and everyone who had the privilege to know Mr. Williams. Job well done now take your rest sir.
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February 06, 2025
Our Community Giant. He will be missed.
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