Deacon Wendell Phillip Williams Sr.

Wendell Phillip Williams entered the world on November 12,1944 to the union of Willie Tillman, Jr. and Hattie Bell (nee Butler) Williams (both predeceased) in Florence, MS located in Rankin County, as the ninth (9th of 10) of ten children.

Wendell met Lurlean (nee Alexander of Star, MS) during his early years of schooling and the two were joined in Holy Matrimony on January 16th of 1965 in Jackson, MS. To this long-lasting union six children were born.

Wendell joined in a relationship with Christ being baptized at an early age at the Enoch Grove Baptist Church of Florence, MS where he remained a member until his young adult years. He became a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church while in Cleveland, followed by Gethsemane Baptist Church, then was ordained as a deacon after joining Our Redemer Baptist Church under Pastor John W. Aden Sr., and from 1983 until his final rest he served as a deacon at Grace Missionary Baptist Church initially under Pastor Boykins up until Wendell’s passing under the leadership of Pastor Ivory K. Jones.

After high school Wendell was employed by The Mississippi Steel Company in Flowood, MS. Once he relocated his family to Cleveland, OH for more lucrative opportunities he engaged in various forms of employment. Eventually, he came to work for Ford Motor Company; first at the Shaker Ford Dealership and retired from the Walton Hills Stamping Plant, Walton Hills, OH as a Master Mechanic he retired after 35 years in 2008.

Wendell over the years became to be affectionately known as Wankie monikered by his brothers, and in the community and at Ford, as Cowboy for his love of fancy quality Western attire. He also had a love for cars, classic and late models and had his own collection of combinations of both.

Wendell leaves to cherish his memory, the love of his life-Lurlean, five children Laveta Shirannette Steele of South Euclid, OH, Zarita Moncell Williams of Highland Hills, OH, Arnettra Lasha Williams, of Cleveland, OH, Willie Shaundell Williams of Oakwood Village, OH, and Keisha Vadeta Malone (Emmanuel C. III-Fred) of Eastlake, OH. He leaves, ten grandchildren Aleisha Shaniece Williams, Shaquan Wyndell Williams, Laneisha Lurlean Harris, Juleyah Yanette Louise Williams, Dijaunte Willie Shaundell Williams, Emmanuel C. Malone IV-Furb, Keilah Kaneisha Germaine Steele, Tilneisha Rashay Malone, Kimleisha Jeanice Steele. There are three great grandchildren Aniyjah Kelly, Aaliyah Willis and Amiyah Willis.

Wendell was predeceased by two sons and a daughter, Wendell P Williams, Jr., Don Lamond and Linda Faye Taylor. Wendell also leaves one sister Mattie Belle Reid of Cleveland, OH, and two brothers Reverend Dock Williams of Florence, MS, Reverend Charles W. Williams, Sr., (Lenora), Compton, CA.

Wendell had a special bond with his sister-in-loves, Elouise McLaughlin (Ronald), Star, MS and Martha Ann Williams, Mayfield Heights, OH.

Wendell loved all and was especially fond and appreciative of those who extended themselves on his behalf, Marvin Bubba Blankenship-nephew (Vanessa), Heidelberg, MS, Anthony Harper-nephew, Florence, MS, Babette Harrell- niece (Sam), Cleveland, OH, Wendy Bradley-niece (Leonard), Cypress, CA, Charles Williams, Jr. -nephew, Bedford, OH, Antonia Williams M.- niece (Nate), Cleveland, OH , Natasha-niece (Lorenzo) Nobles, Newburgh Heights, OH, Michelle Campbell-niece, South Euclid, OH

Brother-in-law Leroy Harper of Maryland. Childhood lifelong friend Calvin Jones of Cleveland, OH. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.