Vernon Edric Williams Sr.

Born to Gwendolyn Watson and Simon Williams on November 12, 1941 in Georgetown, Guyana, Vernon Edric Williams was God’s special gift to the Williams family and was adored. Bold and fearless, he fought with courage to remain with us. But, when his body grew weary, his spirit grew stronger and he departed this life at his home, surrounded by his loving and devoted wife and caregiver, Mazie; his daughter, Kelsey; his faithful sister, Megan, and friends. God elected to transition him from his earthly home to his eternal home.

Vernon was always strong-willed with a very determined spirit to succeed in life. He attended Tutorial High School in Georgetown, Guyana and came to America in 1963 to continue his education at New York City University. He graduated with a degree in accounting and worked as a corporate accountant for various companies but retired from American Standard after 35 years of distinguished service.

Vernon was reared in Guyana, diligently instructed in the Catholic Church and was strongly committed to the Christian faith. While in New York, he attended Redeeming Love Christian Center and upon retirement and relocation to Jacksonville, Florida, he worshiped at various churches throughout the community until his health declined.

From his early years, Vernon loved music and became a very meticulous dancer. As an avid health enthusiast, he also enjoyed bike riding, running, walking and swimming. However, what he loved most was entertaining family and friends. Vernon was a man of incredible strength and conviction and offered pearls of wisdom, support and encouragement to the younger generation of nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as all young persons to whom he came in contact.

No life is ever complete without endearing family and friends that have enriched our lives along the way, and such was the case with Vernon. He leaves to mourn, a beloved wife of 30 years, Mazie Halley Williams and from that union, one precious and doting daughter, Kelsey Lauren Salgado, and a darling granddaughter, Kamryn Marie Salgado of St. Johns, FL. He also leaves to cherish, a dear son, Vernon Edric (Nilza) William Jr., Esq. of Orlando, FL; a loving daughter, Deborah Renee (Steven) Williams Carpenter; two darling grandchildren, Karim Nathaniel and Makaila Lynette Renee of Baldwin, NY; a daughter, Natasha Braz of Brooklyn, NY; siblings: Simon Williams of London, England; Roland (Dr. Elaine) Williams of Upper Marlboro, MD; Claudette Burnette of London, England; Megan Williams Thegg of Brentwood, NY and Patricia Simon (predeceased); two special cousins, Dr. Colin Watson and Clyde Watson; three sisters-in-law: Earline (Jay) Hall; Dorothy (Victor)

Williams; Jo Ann (Charles) Hannibal; two brothers-in-law, Robert (Jessie) Halley and Ransom (Frances) Halley; a special niece, Tetra Halley; a host of amazing nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives; and very special extended family: Bettye Goodwin Woods of Camden, SC and Delfoster and Melanie Cooper of Jacksonville, FL.

Vernon will be sorely missed. He was a man of great poise, distinction, valor and consistency. One truth that governed his life was that he was a devoted and committed husband and father who loved his children unconditionally. We know Vernon is at peace, rejoicing and dancing, inviting all the angels to join him

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, December 28th in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 29th in Philip R Cousin AME Church, 2601 Orange Picker Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223 with Rev. Roger L. D. Williams as Officiant, followed by interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.