Bernard Williams

Bernard “Roscoe” Williams was born on September 1, 1952 in Blue Island, Illinois to his mother Lenny Turner. He grew up with his younger sister Cynthia Mills. Bernard was raised in Detroit, Michigan. He was surrounded by many family members who would be essential in the growth of his unique personality. He developed strong ties with his cousins and friends, navigating the streets of Detroit as young men with plans of greatness. He grew strongly in style and swagger, attending Cooley High School and Pershing High School. During this time he met Deborah McCullum and had two daughters, Latissha McCullum and Takeya McCullum. He also had a daughter named Latries Taylor. Michigan held many memories for Bernard where he enjoyed music, dancing and the party life. He frequently attended local functions put on by family and friends.

During the 1980’s, Bernard moved to California and attended college at California State San Bernardino College and Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. There he met up with cousins in the area and was introduced to many long standing friends. He studied broadcasting and telecommunications, working on several college television programs. He also began focusing on one of his passions: entertainment. Under his nickname Roscoe Star, he promoted local events and he would DJ at parties. Alongside that, he also worked many jobs, including those within the sales and restaurant industries. Eventually, Bernard would meet May Eslava. The two first met at work, got to know one another and fell in love. They were married on September 9, 1995. He also became the step-father of May’s two children, Benz Eslava and Bern Eslava. They took up residence in Riverside county in Southern California.

Bernard loved living life. He enjoyed music, movies, barbecuing and traveling. Some of his favorite music was jazz and Motown. He could always be found cruising in his shiny cars with his speakers blasting classic hits, the latest tunes or smooth rhythms with his customized sound systems. He loved being with friends and family, spending weekends and holidays attending functions and events. Bernard loved to travel. He went to many concerts and shows. He would often take his family on road trips as well as camping and fishing trips. He went on several cruises and vacations. He was a fashionable individual, adorning himself with nice clothes, fine cologne and shiny jewelry. In his leisure time, he would often be seen wearing a matching or tailored outfit, dressed to impress, showing off his newest bling. His cologne could be smelled from far away, making his presence known even before entering the room. He was a man of dreams and action.

Bernard eventually retired at the age of 62 from the Riverside Transit Agency. He planned to open up a food catering business where he would also provide music as a DJ for all of his events. Sadly, his plans were disrupted as he was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, an autoimmune disease that began attacking his upper body and lungs. He surrendered his life to Jesus as his health began to decline, accepting Him as his Lord and Savior. As a proclamation of his faith in Christ, he was baptized at his home church Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley. On September 8, 2019 at 12:37 PM, at the age of 63, Bernard Williams breathed his last breath on earth and entered into the presence of the Lord. Now Bernard is seeing the beautiful sights of heaven, nodding to the wonderful music in the presence of God and shining eternally with a glorified body free of sin and pain. He is truly living the best life.

Bernard “Roscoe” Williams is survived by his wife May Eslava and his three daughters, Latissha McCullum age 44, Takeya McCullum age 40 and Latries Taylor age 43. His grandchildren through Latissha are Darius McCullum age 29 and Delanté Landrum age 24. His grandson through Takeya McCullum is Devon Willis age 23. His great grandchildren through Darius McCullum are A’mya McCullum age 8 and Darius McCullum Jr. age 3. His great granddaughter through Delanté Landrum is Chanel Landrum age 4. His grandchildren through Latries Taylor are Carlison Taylor age 28 and Keyosha Spencer age 25. His great grand daughter through Latries is Jo'urney age 2. He is also survived by his mother Lenny Turner and younger sister Cynthia Mills. His step sons are Benz Eslava age 33 and Bern Eslava age 32. His grandchildren through Benz and his wife Chelsey Eslava are Evan Eslava age 7 and 5 month old Ezra Eslava.