Sterling Thomas Williams, Jr.
“Sweet Willie”
Sunrise February 3, 1938
Sunset May 25, 2016
His Life A Time to be Born: Sterling Thomas Williams, Jr., was born on February 3, 1938 in Vacherie, Louisiana to proud parents Sterling T. Williams and Stelle Jacobs, entering a home full of love, with caring and devoted parents. A Time to Grow: Sterling was a native of Vacherie, LA. He attended the First Baptist Church until his latter teen years. He then became a parishioner of St Phillips Catholic Church. He remained a member there, although he wasn’t able to travel the distance anymore to attend. He graduated from Magnolia High School in Vacherie, LA, in June of 1956. After graduation he left Vacherie, LA.
A Time to Serve: Sergeant First Class Sterling Thomas Williams, Jr. entered the United Stated Army on June 5, 1956. He completed two tours in the Republic of Vietnam, and served honorably for over twenty-four years as a Special Forces, Green Beret, and Airborne soldier. He retired from the Army on January 31, 1983. After leaving the military, he later became a part of the United States Postal Services, where he worked as a mail handler for over twenty-three years, before retiring on November 30, 2007.
A Time for Love: While stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Lucinda McNeil Williams of Latta, SC, who passed away on September 12, 2002. From this union, five children were born; three sons, Sterling Thomas Williams, III, Thad Joseph Williams and Ramirez D. H. Williams; and two daughters, LaQuita Saron Marie Williams and Sheila Marie Williams. He also had another son outside of this union, Maninkie F. Ray of Fayetteville, NC, who passed away on February 19, 2014.
A Time for All Things: On May 25, 2016, Sterling’s suffering and pain came to an end. He took his last breath and entered eternal rest in a place that God has prepared for us. Throughout his life, Sterling professed and acknowledged that Jesus is Lord!
A Time to Celebrate: We thought of you with love today, but that was nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, and the days before that too. We think of you in silence and often speak your name. Now all we have is memories, and your pictures in a frame. Your memories are our keepsake, with which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping and we have you in our hearts. So we celebrate your life today and thank our Heavenly Father for the times we were allowed. Rest in peace until we see each other again.
A Time to Build: Sterling was a provider for his family; and a loving and caring husband and father. During the last several years of his life, he focused on sharing life stories, and lessons learned, and building a closer bond with his children and grandchildren. He wanted the family united as one, loving and sharing their memories with each other. He asked that his legacy be carried on for generations to follow. He taught us to love unconditionally and to forgive. He stated that “one day I will leave this earth and upon my departure, I ask for no tears, but a celebration of my life, which I have lived to the fullest.” He stated that he would be okay at his final eternal resting place because he has left many, many memories for all of us to share for generations to come.
His Life
cont.
Remembrance: Sterling Thomas Williams, Jr. leaves to cherish and celebrate his life, love, legacy and his sweet loving personality, his son, Sterling Thomas Williams III. of Lakewood, WA; daughter, LaQuita Saron Marie Williams of Richmond, VA; son, Thad Joseph Williams of Sellers, SC, daughter, Sheila Marie Williams of Marion, SC; son, Ramirez D. H. Williams of Macon, GA; one-son-in-law, Jeffrey Maurice Bruce of Richmond, VA; two daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Williams of Sellers, SC and TaQuena L Ray, of Fayetteville, NC; twenty-two grandchildren, Tanjyiya Pledger of Manteca, CA, Christopher Williams, Grand Rapids, MI, Sheshena Pledger and Shiver Bruce, of Roosevelt, NY, Quanisha Bruce of Newport News, VA, Christopher Rashad of Dillion, SC, Jeffrey Bruce of Dallas, TX, Gregory Bruce of Atlanta, GA, Ebony Williams of Marion, SC, Maurice Williams, Franklin Galloway, Latony Galloway and Kimberly Cochran, of Sellers, SC, Daeyahsim McRae, Daijyah Ray, Diamond Ray, Daeyanna McRae, Decaris Ray, Destini Ray, Demetrius McRae and Deshau McRae, of Fayetteville, NC, Sterling Williams, Kimberly Williams and Melissa Williams, of Latta, SC; four granddaughers-in-law, Athena Pledger of Manteca, CA, Nicole Bruce of Dallas, TX, Altressa Williams of Grand Rapids, MI and Zoe McRae of Fayetteville, NC; fourteen great grandchildren; Mia Williams, Hai Yana Williams of Latta, SC, Malachi Pledger and Amirah Pledger of Manteca, CA, Zacorey Simmons, Zayshawn Simmons, Zaymire Simmons and Zyheem Simmons, of Marion, SC, Treyvon Pettis and Jeremiah Sir Daniel Corbin of Richmond, VA, Gabrielle McRae and Lilianna Rose of Fayetteville, NC and Christopher Williams of Grand Rapids MI; two brothers; Clifton Williams of Chicago, IL and Eugene Williams, of New Orleans, LA; sisters, Joycelyn Hayes of New Orleans, LA, Lucille Pitts of Enid, OK and Sharon Williams of Chicago, IL; three brothers-in-law, Jonathan Pitts of Enid, OK, Vernon McNeil of Philadelphia, PA and William McNeil of Philadelphia, PA and one aunt, Yvonne M. Williams of Luling LA. He was devoted to all that knew him but especially to Evelyn Houston of Houston, TX and Cecile Dalton of New, Orleans, LA, two very special ladies that were dear to his heart, and who was always there for him no matter what; the mother of his deceased son, Hazel Ray and a young lady that he treated like a daughter - Paris Butler of Baton Rouge, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sterling was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Lucinda McNeil Williams; son, Maninkie F. Ray; great granddaughter, Zaynasia Simmons; parents, Sterling T. Williams and Estelle Jacobs; brothers, Clarence Williams and Herman “Sam� Williams and sister, Claretta Williams Crowden
Order of Service Officiant: Pastor Bryan K. Richburgh Pilgrim Baptist Church 2241 South Liberty Street New Orleans, LA 70113
Friday, June 3, 2016 * 10:00 a.m.
Processional
Entrance of Pastor & Family
Prayer ……………………………………………………………………… Chairman Leroy Tyler Selection …………………………………………………………………. Brother Keith Tillman Scripture Readings ………………………………………………… Deacon Robert Conner
Solo ………………………………………………………………. Kennette Lewis-Broadwater Master of Ceremony: ………….......................................................................... Video of Memories ………………………………………………………………………………….... Reading of Obituary / Acknowledgements …………………… Gina Marie Green Solo ………………………………………………………………………… Brother Keith Tillman The Word ……………………………………………………………. Rev. Bryan K. Richburgh Acknowledgement of Visiting Ministers ~ Parting View ~ Benediction / Recessional
Homegoing
Celebration Service
Friday, June 3, 2016 10:00 A.M. Viewing 9:00 – 10:00 am
Boyd Family Funeral Home 5001 Chef Menteur Hwy. New Orleans, LA 70126
Pilgrim Baptist Church 2241 South Liberty St. New Orleans, LA 70113 Pastor Bryan K. Richburgh, Officiating
"A SON'S MEMOIR OF HIS FATHER" On Wed. May 25, 2016, my beloved father, STERLING THOMAS WILLIAMS, was called home. I am not sorry or sad that my father has passed away, but happy that he has moved on to a better place without suffering. I refuse to mourn his death, but rather celebrate his life and legacy that he passed down to his family, friends and whomever he became in contact with, to follow his foot steps. My father was the hardest, strictest and sternest man that I have ever known. And his Cajun cooking was just as hot and spicy as his attitude and demeanor. Hidden well under that hardcore exterior was a gentle, kind, caring and giving man who could turn from being street to classy as we all witnessed by him being on The Maury Show. I will never forget him or the lessons that he taught me and the fun we had together. Although I never lived with him full-time growing up, he was always there when I needed him both emotionally and financially. He was also there when I didn't want to see him, to whip my butt when I did wrong!!! Several specific fond memories that come to mind are: I will never forget how my father made sure that my brother, MANIKIE FERRELL RAY and I, both of the Carolinas, got to know each other and bond. He took us to New Orleans for the first time to meet the Williams side of the family and to the World's Fair among other trips. I will never forget him telling me how proud he was of me for getting my first car on my own after he'd denied to assist me financially to get one. However, year's later, he did help me get my first two vehicles once I moved to New Orleans along with new clothes too. I will never forget his love for football games and his favorite teams, the New Orleans Saints followed by the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons. We shared a mutual passion for the love of the football game and talked about it often in recent years. We always ended each conversation with "I love you and I miss you," and he would always say "Take Care of Yourself" and thanked me for calling him each time, remaining the Gentleman and Scholar that he was. He always had my back, no matter what and he stuck with me through my many trials and tribulations when others did not. He was definitely proud of himself, his 50 plus years of federal employment and his other accomplishments, that he nicknamed himself "SWEET WILLIE�. He enjoyed being flashy, possessing nice things, driving big expensive cars, having much jewelry and throwing big parties at his house he nicknamed S.W.B.A.P. which meant "SWEET WILLIE'S BAD ASS PAD". Although he is not here physically, his spirit lives on forever through us. Just as I'm not there physically to celebrate my father's life with you right now but my spirit is with you through my words that you are reading. In closing, I remember him explaining to me what exactly the 2nd Line really is. He specifically said that he didn't want people to be sad at his passing away but to be glad, joyful and to party and have fun to celebrate his life and legacy. So I urge everyone to be happy that he is in a better place, be proud of his accomplishments, and be thankful that you knew and loved him. As I am!!! He may be gone now to reunite with his wife, SHIRLEY, and his son, MANIKIE and his other siblings that pasted away before him, but he will never be forgotten!!! I'm at peace knowing that he knew that we all loved him and told him so when all his kids and family spoke to him the weekend prior to his death. And I know that he loved all his kids, his family and his friends. I will continue to strive to make him proud of me from heaven and will keep him in my prayers forever. I love you, Dad. Always!! Love your son, RAMIREZ WILLIAMS
"A Legend Called Grandad“ In the early morning hours of May 25th, 2016 A legend took his last breath, But he was just Grandpa to me; The heart of my family, The heavily grounded root to our tree. You may know him as "Sweet Willie," Not just the life of the party, But the heart of the party, The "he" that everybody wanted to meet; A legend in the flesh, But just Grandad to me. The epicenter of my family, The place we always returned to meet. The one sure to fill you with good food and strong drink. The one to satiate any desire you may need. A living legend to so many, but just Grandpa to me. On that fateful day when nobody was around to see, His lifelong party came to an end And his soul was finally set free To journey onwards and upwards To a place we cannot yet see, To the next place we're called to meet And reconnect with our dearly departed links. A place full of uncharted joy and exuberant jubilee. A place called Heaven, Paradise, where souls go when they're set free. A place where a legend with a lifetime worth of scars Can live out eternity pain free. A legend many have come to know as "Sweet Willie," The certified Female Body Inspector. The man with more tales than the crypt keeper can keep. A living legend to so many worldwide, But just Grandpa to me. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 25th, 2016, Those pearly white gates opened wide For a legendary soul to make his grand entry. A second line followed with clapping hands and dancing feet; And all of Heaven rejoiced at the site of its latest acceptee. A legend whose soul has been put to eternal rest, But just Grandad to me. To my grandfather, Sterling Williams, Known to most as "Sweet Willie," Now that you've finally been called home, I pray that your soul rests eternally in peace.
Sheshena Pledger
I never thought I'd see the day my Grandfather would have passed away, because he was one of my role models growing up and I thought he was immortal. I realized, while I was young, generations to come will know, or think they know my Grandfather. If I could chat with my Grandfather, I'd tell him, I'll watch out for the family and make sure we're together as often as possible, because I know that's what he would've wanted. Also, my kids will know their Great Grand Aunts and Uncles, too— I'm on it. And, lastly, kiss Grandma for me, too. Our family knows, my Grandfather was a good man. He didn't joke much around me, but he did always have a bright smile on his face. He did his best to challenge himself and accomplished great feats in doing so. He is leaving behind a great legacy that will live on in and through everyone who he's leaving behind on Earth. Plus, he was a well respected figure in our family and in the community he resided in. He should be proud that he can look down on all of us and all he has done for the world. I'll throw parties in a fashion inspired by how he did every year one day. He brought people together all of the time for good times and his influence has touched many. His legacy will live on. His influence on me came from how he walked, how he talked, and how he dressed. He always looked and smelled good. The respect he demanded as a Brother, Father, Uncle, Grand Uncle, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather will stick with me forever, because his influence over others and the respect he gave others shaped how I treat people. The last time we spoke he told me to never stop following my dreams and to focus on my family and Jesus, so I will, as promised. I'll remain close to my children, as he was, at a minimum, because he was a great example for me as a kid coming up in New Orleans. I am grateful for having the opportunity to talk with him before he passed. I'm going to hold up my promise to do right by my family, and continue to, because I will know he is watching. I do understand how much my Grandfather means to my Mother and Father. As their baby boy, and as his grandson, I'm glad he allowed for his daughter to marry my Father, so they could have my little sister, Quanisha, and I. You'll live forever in our hearts. I love you and rest in peace. Shiver Bruce
ALWAYS A PRINCESS In my father's eyes, I'll always be his princess, No matter how old I've grown, he still sees His little girl, dancing across the invisible stage Before him. A living Cinderella in miniature form, whom Will never grow up, and thinks her dad is prince Charming, and the strongest man on earth. Cradling within this wondrous heart, is devotion’s Biggest fan, the man I call my father, he's protector, Comforter, and the everlasting image, of the perfect Man that I idolize. No wizard's, wand or sword holds more magic Than his tender words of wisdom, as I stroll Down the yellow brick road of life, I'm his Dorothy, and he is, the Wizard of my oz. Oh Papa, you've instilled the wonderment Of this world within me, and I know, no matter Where I roam, he shall always be a part Of me. You've always said, no matter how old I get That within thy heart, a princess remains, timeless, Ageless, as if Alice, hidden behind the looking glass, Peering through from wonderland, magical world. Perfection's cherished rose, whom never loses it's Petals, but blossoms nourished by loves fertile soil, That only a father's faith can provide. I'll always be his princess, no matter what bad Choices I may make in life, I know he'll pick me Up and smooth out the wrinkles in my velvet gown, Wiping away my tears, turning them instantly into diamond Shards, and letting me dance away again, clapping For this his darling princess. So let the musical waltz of life, play forever forward, As I lightly tip toe, across destiny’s ballroom floor. My dancing card remains eternally full, written within One name stands out, it is yours dearest sweet man. He is after all my prince charming, and I am His dearest little girl, and of course in his eyes Always his little princess. BY: CHERYL ANNA DUNN Submitted by Sheila Williams
The world lost a great man Heaven gained a soldier An Angel full of love and wisdom With strength of NOLA Throughout all your pain You always maintained strong And it’s because of this Your memory will live on With all the family and friends You left behind a legacy And though our tears are falling now We’re celebrating Sweet Willie With our hearts open wide We accept that you are gone Heaven’s made a better place Cause you make the ranks strong You’ll be missed by many So sad that you departed Open up the Pearly Gates The party’s just getting started Sweet Willie has entered He crossed over that bridge Make sure the Angels wash their hands Before they open the fridge Tell Grandma we love her So happy you’re together We never mourn, we celebrate Because your lives are a treasure And we will cherish the love And all the great memories Sweet Willie never died Cause he’s living through me I love you Granddaddy From Tan
I could remember the late nights in January Where we did not know your fate The saddened expressions all over my mother’s face But, you and only you, decided to keep up with your mean traits And tried to kick us out of your hospital room with grace Just know that now that you’re gone that I will keep up the pace And keep a smile on your children’s face Your memories here on earth will never be erased Because, you and only you, have left a trace You’re a legend and my grandfather And you can never be replaced Hug everyone for me until they feel your warm embrace You will be missed but never misplaced You have a place in my heart always and can never be replaced I love you and love you more in every part of my base Keep me going through life’s obstacles so that I know my place I love you Always. -The basketball player
Our hearts are saddened by the loss But because of the life that you lived and enjoyed so much We know that the real party is just beginning So get ready Heaven because Sweet Willie has entered Although he has strong beliefs And not aware that he is no longer in control Please be patient with him As he transitions He’s a man with a huge heart Loved and cherished by many Although he will be missed by all We know that he is now at peace We will take the lessons of wisdom And share with generations to come Because he was a man of many things With lots to share Although we have lost our father Heaven gained a man of wisdom and courage And his children will continue to share With generations to come So don’t worry DAD Your job here is done We will continue to share the life that you lived With all generations to follow So rest in peace Knowing that we love you and will miss you But most importantly Will never forget you You are right there on the opposite corner of our hearts Just across from the corner Where our mother lies Join her hand and give her a great big Kiss From her children Love you Always, LaQuita
Active Pallbearers Alfred Butler Larry Ewing Christopher Williams
DeShawn Williams Dohntel Williams Sterling Williams
Honorary Pallbearers Tanjyiya Pledger Gregory Bruce Clifton Williams
Jeffrey Bruce Shiver Bruce Eugene Williams
With Gratitude & Love The family of Sterling Thomas Williams, Jr. would like to express our sincere gratitude for the cards, flowers, visits, gifts, encouraging words, prayers, love and support shown to us during this time. The special care given to Sterling during his sickness means the world to us. We pray that God will Bless each of you in a special way. Please continue to pray for our strength as we trust God to comfort and keep us in His care as we continue to love, miss and remember our father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. A special thanks to Cecile Dalton one of dad’s closet friends who provided guidance, point of contacts and support needed during this time, we could not have made this so successful without you. Thanks to you, all dad’s wishes were granted and his farewell was successful in the style he requested. From his children, thanks for being there in our time of need, it was greatly appreciated. You were our angel in this time of need. Thank You, The Family
ARRANGEMENTS
Boyd Family Funeral Home 5001 Chef Menteur Highway New Orleans, Louisiana 70127
INTERMENT:
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery 34888 Grantham College Rd. Slidell, LA 70460
R E P A S T:
3:00 – 6:00 PM
The Regency Reception Hall 7300 Downman Rd. New Orleans, LA 70126
Program Design & Printing: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com