Rev. John Newman Williams

A native of Amite and a resident of Baker, he died at home Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. Rev. John Williams, 62, graduated from Pine Grove High School, then Southeastern Louisiana University. He received his master's degree in 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, the Rev. Marie Palmer Williams; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. James Newman Williams, M.D., and Beth Williams, of Geismar; daughter and son-in-law, the Rev. Sarah Williams Shoup and Brian J. Shoup, of Lake Charles; son and daughter-in-law, the 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; and brothers-in-law, R.C. Palmer and wife Joyce, and Don Palmer, all of Fort Myers, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Newman Williams and Gladys Jewel Williams. Visitation at Blackwater United Methodist Church on Thursday, Sept. 22, was from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m., officiated by Bishop William Hutchinson. Visitation will resume at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until memorial service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Carole Cotton Winn and the Rev. Chuck Simmons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blackwater United Methodist Church, Centenary College, Perkins School of Theology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center or Louisiana United Methodist Happening. Arrangements by Rabenhorst Funeral Home East.