Kenneth H. Williams

Kenneth Horetia Williams was born October 20, 1953 to Levi Williams and Mavis Small. He had (19) siblings; (9) brothers; Byran, Lloyd, lan, Patrick, Michael, Karom, Phillipie, Sebastian, and Mannley; and10 sisters, Cerene, Joyce, Pauline, June, Jesse, Rose, Ackamol, Phyllis, Bobeth, and Ingrid. 

Kenneth also known as Kenny, Willie, and Willie B, was born in the country parish of Saint Elizabeth, in the town of Santa Cruz; in the District of Burnt Ground County, on the island of Jamaica. 

His brother Patrick recalls their childhood together, "they were more than brothers. They were best friends." They played together, hunted together, fished together, and attended the same school, Santa Cruz Primary School, together. Kenneth and Patrick moved to Kingston together and rented an apartment. They worked hard and enjoyed life. 

On October 15, 1972, Kenneth's life changed. While enjoying National Heroes Holiday at Gunboat Beach, he met a lovely young lady named Lucille Evelyn Bish. Lucille remembers that day fondly. She was 15 years old, spending the holiday at the beach with friends. She recalls," I saw a young man. He was a good swimmer. He tried to talk to me. He even offered to teach me to swim, but I declined his offer and went on my way. Just about one month later, I saw him again, several times. He actually lived near my home". Kenneth and Lucille became fast friends. She was smitten by his kindness and generosity. He was very respectful. Kenneth offered to help her get a job during the holiday season. He arranged an interview for her. She got the job! Wow! He was special. Kenneth and Lucille were married on August 31, 1980 in Kingston, Jamaica at the New Apostolic Church." Kenneth's brother Patrick was an usher", Lucille recalls, 

Kenneth and Lucille's love story continued to grow. They have five children: Jerdean, Marklan, Orville(a.k.a.Gary), Venice and David. Kenneth was a good provider and faithful husband. His children have fond memories of him. He was their protector, their corrector, their inspector and their director. He made their time together special: road trips in the car, going fishing, building a swing in the garden and cooking delicious food. He instilled in them, many life lessons: a good work ethic, the importance of saving, problem-solving skills, the importance of education, preserving family traditions and family relationships just to name a few. 

Kenneth was a man with many talents. He was creative. Sewing was more than a hobby for him. He designed and made his wedding suit. He earned a diploma from the Art Academy Trade School, located in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1970. His specialty was tailoring. He was a window dresser for department stores in Kingston, where his work was showcased and published in the local newspaper. He enjoyed interior decorating too. Kenneth's handyman skills were a blessing to many. He was also a meticulous landscaper. He was very proud of his beautiful roses, his favorite flower.   Lucille recalls some of Kenneth's favorite things: 

Colors: Sky blue and beige 

Book: Holy Bible

Sport: Cricket 

Food: Curry goat, steamed fish especially red snapper, rice, and black beans 

Beverages: Malta, Sorrell, Sour Sap, and Fresh Carrot Juice, . Favorite Movies: All Karate Movies with Bruce Lee and The Harder They come 

Favorite Game: Dominoes 

Favorite TV Show: All news programs 

Kenneth was also an entrepreneur. He was a member of the Private Passenger Vehicle Association in Kingston. He believed that hard work would pay off. His mantra was work for what you want! 

While still living in Jamaica, Kenneth attended a Seventh-day Adventist (S.D.A.) evangelism crusade. He was convinced, converted and baptized by Pastor Herman Ming and joined the Kings Chapel S.D.A Church. Brother Williams became a faithful Deacon. His favorite text was John 3:16, 17. His favorite hymn was Under His Wings. 

Kenneth, Lucille and the children migrated to the United States July 11, 2000. His brother Patrick sponsored them. They landed in Cleveland Ohio where his brother lived. The family settled in. Brother William's work ethic kicked in. He provided for his family, working in several capacities. He never called off any job he held. He received awards for excellent performance and perfect attendance. His goal was to provide the best customer service no matter the task. 

The Williams family united with the Southeast S.D.A. church in Cleveland. Brother Williams was voted to serve as a Deacon. He served faithfully.   When the family relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 2005, they united with the Central S.D.A. Church. Brother William served as a Deacon. 

Deacon Williams last employment was with Delta Global and South West Prime Flight at John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. He worked there nine years and was recognized for excellent service. In 2019 Deacon Williams health declined. He became disabled. He didn't give up. He challenged himself to be as independent as possible. Thank God for his faithful, dutiful, wife of 42 years. Sister Lucille Evelyn Bish Williams kept her wedding vow: for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death do us part. 

On October 19, 2022 Deacon Kenneth Horetia Williams passed away at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He fought a good fight, He finished his course. He kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). He laid hold on eternal life and he professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12). 

At the time of his death, Brother Williams was a Deacon Emeritus (an honorary title for an inactive member) and a member at the Beacon of Hope S.D.A. Church, where he and his wife are charter members in good and regular standing. He also served as the Head Deacon. He was indeed a Deacon for life. He was saved to serve--- a servant of God and man. His name is recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. 

Deacon Williams is predeceased by his parents, Levi Williams and Mavis Small; two brothers, lan Campbell and Michael Small; two sisters, Cerene Stennett and Pauline Small; father-in-law, Lewyn Bish, and mother-in-law, Icyline Bish and brother-in-law, Leroy Francis. 

Those who will cherish his memory are: his wife, Lucille, Evelyn Bish Williams; five children: Jerdean, Michelle Williams, Marklan (Tamara) Williams, Orville (Karen) Williams, Venice Williams-Diedrick, and David Parnell, seven grandchildren: Jayden Grant, Malik Williams, Jeniah Williams, Janelle Williams, Temani Williams, Gabrielle Diedrick and Paris Williams-Soumare; four sisters-in-law: Gloria Campbell, Heather, Small, Joyce (Labort) Bish-Williams and Thelma Bish; one brother-in-law: Nigel (Karen) Bish and a host of other family members and friends who were blessed to know and love Kenneth. 

WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! 

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