Raymond Abner Williams

Raymond A. Williams, 63, of Manchester, entered into eternal rest on May 26, 2011. Born on June 14, 1947 in Newark, NJ, Raymond worked for 20 years as employee of Allied Signal Corporation and 13 years as jeweler for Capitol Ring Company. He was baptized by Dr. B.F. Johnson, Metropolitan Baptist Church at the age of 12. His spiritual growth was nurtured by his parents Fred and Loretta Williams and the church congregation. He attended Sunday School and participated in youth activities.

He has been married to his loving and supportive wife Olivia Jean for 43 years; to this enduring relationship he gives God the glory. They are the parents of Yolanda Williams-Powell and the grandparents of Syani and Calvia. He is survived by his brothers Robert and John and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

After relocating to Jackson Township in 1977, he joined and became a trustee of Macedonia Baptist Church where he worked diligently serving the Lord. He was advisor to the Youth Ministry, a member of the Men's Choir, Gospel Choir, and Chairman of Men's Day. His civic and community activities include: being successfully approved by the Superior Court Judge of Ocean County as Board Member of New Jersey's Advisory Board for Mediating Juvenile Offenses, Board member of Macedonia Housing & Development Corporation, a life-long civil rights activist and member of the NAACP, President of Lizzie Dunn Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Lead Coordinator of the Debutante and Escort Cotillion for 15 years. Under the direction of Doris Rozier, Raymond helped coordinate Macedonia's Thanksgiving Day feeding program which ensures the proper distribution of food to over 3,500 individuals.

In 2002, Raymond relocated to Manchester Township and became a member of Hope Cathedral Church located at 46 Bennett Mills Road Jackson, NJ where the honorable Tre'von and Qwynn Gross are pastors. Raymond continued working for the Lord. He was a member of the Men of Valor, Seasoned Saints Ministry, and Guest Relation.

A celebration of his life will be held on 11 June at Hope Cathedral. Tributes can be given on www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com