In Memoriam: Rev. John Newman Williams

    A native of Amite and resident of Central, he died at home on Sunday, September 18, 2011. Rev. John Williams, 62, graduated from Pine Grove High School and then Southeastern Louisiana University. He received his Masters of Theology from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He was ordained a Deacon in the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church in June 1972 and an Elder in June 1976. Rev. Williams served Churches throughout the Louisiana Conference including Baton Rouge, Vinton, Logansport, Shreveport, Luling, DeRidder, Calhoun and Slidell. He served on The Louisiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for 16 years and on the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns for eight years. He was loved as a husband, father, pastor, mentor and friend. He had a heart for ministry and loved people, regarding everyone as a beloved child of God. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Marie Palmer Williams; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. James Newman Williams, MD and Beth Williams of Geismar; daughter and son-in-law, Rev. Sarah Williams Shoup and Brian J. Shoup of Lake Charles; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Jared Roland Williams and Alina S. Williams of Prairieville; grandchildren, Grace Williams, Faith Williams, Elizabeth Shoup and John Brian Shoup; brothers, David M. Williams and wife Rosanne of Holden and Patrick D. Williams of Hammond; sister, Dr. Karen L. Williams and husband Davy Brooks of Hammond; seven nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, R.C. Palmer and wife Joyce and brother-in-law Don Palmer all of Ft. Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Newman Williams and Gladys Jewel Williams. Visitation will be on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011 at Blackwater United Methodist Church from 5 pm until 7 pm with a prayer service at 6pm with Bishop William Hutchinson officiating. Visitation will resume on Friday at 10 am until memorial services at 11 am conducted by the Rev. Carole Cotton Winn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blackwater United Methodist Church, Centenary College, Perkins School of Theology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or Louisiana United Methodist Happening. Arrangements by Rabenhorst East.