Mr. Clarence Allan Williams

Clarence Allan Williams was born on November 4, 1958 to the late Annie Lee Jones-Williams and the late Sylvester Williams Sr. He was the third of four children. One of which (Kevin) preceded him in death. Knowledge of a God and Creator was instilled in Clarence at a young age by both his mother and his sister Janie Johnson. Clarence graduated from Francis Parker High School on June 17, 1977 and took a few college courses. However, in 1979 he was hired by the Leo Burnett Advertising Agency in downtown Chicago where he worked for 13 years in various departments, ending up as a manager in the Printing and Duplicating Department. It was at Leo Burnett in 1985 that he met the love of his life Verdell Miller. Clarence won her over not only with his smooth wit and charismatic personality, but also with the kindness, charm and gentleness that he just naturally possessed. He loved to laugh and have a good time, taking her on various trips and excursions and experiencing many of life’s adventures for the first time together. But more importantly to Verdell was the love he showed for his family. Especially to his mother and younger brother Kevin whom he lived with when they met. Clarence was a supportive and reliable son and brother. His mother knew she could count on him to be there while she worked nights, to care of his younger brother Kevin, who was also medically challenged. That quality touched Verdell’s heart and from that point forward she knew she had found a GEM! They were married on June 1, 1990 and to that union two sons were born, Christopher Allen and Coby Alexander Williams. Outside of his love for his God Jehovah, Clarence’s family was his #1 priority. This man loved his family with every ounce of himself. And we loved him even more. He was an excellent provider, confidant and teacher who instilled in his children the same work ethic he learned from his mom. Resulting in two men that he would surely be proud of in this moment. Another life changing event that happened in Clarence’s life was when he and Verdell made studying the Bible a research project that they each took on separately with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1997-98. In the beginning, Clarence had no interest at all! Verdell would later come to find out that while she continued learning Bible truths on her own Bible study, Clarence would eavesdrop. Leaving the bedroom door opened just enough to hear what was going on. Something he heard piqued his curiosity and when asked again if he would be interested in having his own personal Bible study program, he cautiously accepted. What Clarence learned not only REFRESHED him, it also gave him clarity about what God’s purpose is for humans right here on planet earth. This was scripture that he hadn’t seen before and it EXCITED him! After about a year or so of deep study, Clarence and Verdell were convinced that they had not only found the meaning and purpose of life; but more importantly the TRUTH about God. As a result, they dedicated their lives to the doing of God’s will and were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses in June of 1999. They then began to teach and instill God’s word of truth into their sons as well; and they, after coming into an accurate knowledge of what the Bible really teaches THEMSELVES, made their own personal decision to also get baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. One of the proudest moments of Clarence’s and Verdell’s life. A few years in, Clarence was appointed as a Ministerial Servant and later as an Elder in the Christian Congregation. Two appointments that he held in very high esteem because he understood that this was an assigned work through Holy Spirit from Jehovah God himself. He did not take that responsibility lightly! Many have come to his family to express the kindness and fairness that they experienced either while serving on the Body of Elders with Clarence or as the recipient of the loving care, kindness and support he showed while shepherding them during a judicial case. This man was a REAL brother! He considered it an honor to be called a Slave for Jehovah and to shepherd the Flock of God under his care with love, honor and respect! And his family could not be prouder of him! Clarence also loved to have a good time. He loved listening to Smooth Jazz and he could snap his finger so loud you could easily here it from another room. His extended brother Brian down in Florida said that it was Clarence who first introduced him to Jazz, and that he was the brother that he never had. Something he will never forget. Also, his extended sister Althea (also in Florida) said that she had spoken with him that Wednesday prior to his death and he was encouraging as always and mentored her as a big brother would, and how she will miss his calm spirit and infectious laugh. Clarence LOVED his boys Christopher and Coby dearly. Spending lots of time with them in the ministry over the years. Taking them on family vacations. Teaching them how to cut the grass and do yard work. Spending time watching movies and having heart-to-heart conversations, as well as helping them to navigate through the challenges that come with life in this wicked world that we live in. He was an outstanding example of what it meant to be both a father and a dad. Man...do we miss him! Clarence also loved dancing with is baby Vee. They were known for getting out on the dance floor and stepping the night away. In the summertime they would sit out on the patio listening to music, looking at creation and having a cocktail. Just the two of them. Then one of his jam’s would start playing on Spotify and up on the patio dance floor they went! They didn’t need an audience because they had each other, and that was enough. They had a most special bond that will never be broken! Clarence loved his wife like himself and she was precious to him; and she deeply loves, adores, respects and cherishes her husband right down to this day and on into the future. Clarence fell asleep in death on March 28, 2022. However, through his study of the Bible he realized that death was not the end! Clarence died knowing that he would live again as stated at Acts 24:15 where it says “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Right here on EARTH! Clarence leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife Verdell. His two sons Christopher Allen and Coby Alexander Williams, his sister Janie Johnson, his brother Sylvester Williams Jr., his in- laws; Stella Belcher (Ronald), Mattie Scott, Vernie Smith, Janie Sims, Rose Bohannon and a long, long list of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Clarence Allan Williams

November 4, 1958 - March 28, 2022