Gerald Jesse Williams

Gerald Jesse Williams, fondly known as "Poncho" was born on October 21, 1945, to Jesse Clifford and Lois Smith Williams, both deceased. He was the second of six siblings. Both parents and one sibling, Mary Ether preceded him in death.

Poncho attended public schools in the Kansas City, Missouri School District and received his GED in 1976. Once he set his mind toward a goal, he always succeeded.

Poncho was employed by the Hickman Mills Consolidated School District #3 as a maintenance worker. He was diligent, committed, and punctual, displaying high moral ethics during his career. When his health began to fail, he decided to take an early retirement.

Poncho loved to socialize, dance, listen to jazz and good old Motown music. He could sometimes be seen practicing dance steps and would call family and friends over to create and perform a dance routine. People loved to gather at his home at impromptu times and there was always opportunity to barbeque on the back deck. He was a member of the Social 8 Club of Kansas City, Missouri. He was selective in choosing his friendships, but once accepted they became "a brother from another Mother." Accepted were Earl Spinks (deceased), Robert (Bernadine) Kelley and Maurice (Gwen, deceased) Lewis all from Kansas City, Missouri.

Poncho departed this life on April 11, 2014, after a long illness and at the home with his devoted wife and stepson at his bedside and under the care of the Research VITAS Innovative Hospice Care Center.

To love and cherish his memories, he leaves his best friend, true love of his life and wife of 22 years, Loretta; son, Rodney Jerome Williams; daughter, Latricia Jenine Mickens; stepson, Martez Carter; siblings, W. Chappell (Beverly) Smith, Clarence O. Williams, Shirley (Richard, Sr.) Hudson, Michael (Francine) Williams; father and mother-in-law, Floyd Sr. (Hazel) Carter; aunt, Vernetta (Charles, deceased) Smith; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery South.

Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.