Alfred Williams

Alfred Williams was born October 28, 1925 in Shreveport, Louisiana to John L. Williams Sr. and Ethel D. (Battle). He was the second oldest of his siblings. He attended elementary and middle school in Shreveport until his mother and father relocated the family from Louisiana to Pasadena, CA (circa 1942). His father opened a dry cleaning business called Pasadena Laundry where Alfred and a few of his siblings worked.

He served in the United States Navy during WWII. After the war, he was honorably discharged, began working for Assemble Stain Furniture in Pasadena, and obtained his GED. He had two children from his first marriage—Ronnie and Helene. Alfred developed a reverence for the Lord as a child but did not make a formal decision to accept Christ until he was in his twenties.

After his first marriage ended, Alfred met Corine (McGowan). The two were married on February 15, 1952 in Pasadena. They attended Metropolitan Baptist Church for the next couple years before moving to the San Fernando Valley where they had and raised four children—Shirley, Alfreda, Jeanette, and Mark. He began studying at the Faith of God Church, School of Theology with his wife Corine and also obtained his certification in horticulture at North Valley Occupational Center in Mission Hills. At this time, the family began attending Paradise Church of God in Christ in Pacoima.

Alfred worked for the County of Los Angeles as a groundskeeping manager for Knollwood Country Club Golf Course in Granada Hills, Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, and El Cariso Golf Course in Sylmar. He loved sports, was an avid golfer and bowler, and took every opportunity to spend time on the greens as well as belonging to a local bowling league. Because of his vast knowledge of golf, Alfred was often asked to caddy, and in 1971 he was given the opportunity to participate at the Bob Hope Classics in Palm Springs.

Several years later, he and his wife began attending The Church On The Way (TCOTW) in Van Nuys where they were involved in ministry for over 40 years. Alfred was an usher, assisted in marriage counseling, fed the homeless, and ministered to those shut-in at various convalescent homes throughout the San Fernando Valley.

Alfred was a man who practiced what he preached—maintaining a strong work ethic and self-respect. At the same time, he wasn’t all hard work. He was a humorous man who enjoyed joking and laughing, and he shared that humor and laughter with everyone he met.

Alfred, alongside his wife, enjoyed missionary work. Their travels included Haiti, South Africa, Philippines, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand. One of his most memorable trips was traveling to Israel, and they were baptized in the Jordan River on Sunday, March 29, 1998 by the late Pastor Jack Hayford.

Those who knew Alfred knew he loved music and enjoyed singing. He would frequently sing the bass line while his family harmonized; the joy of music he possessed was passed down to his family. One could always find him sitting at the piano playing chords. Alfred had his favorite songs that he would regularly sing: "I Am on the Battlefield for My Lord," "He looked beyond My Faults," and "I Have decided to Follow Jesus." His most favorite and cherished song was the song he wrote for his wife—when they renewed their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary—"There is Nothing Too Hard for Thee."

The last church he attended was their neighborhood church, Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in San Fernando, where the congregation had been so caring, steadfast, and helpful about his well-being during the latter season of his life.

Alfred Williams died on Thursday morning, January 12, 2023 at the age of 97. He is survived by his two brothers, John L. Williams Jr. and David Ray Williams (Suzanne); his youngest sister, Ethel Carroll Broussard (Jerry); his wife, Corine Williams; his children Ronnie Williams, Shirley A. Golden, Alfreda Hernandez (Peter), Jeanette Y. Williams, and Mark A. Williams (Alicia); his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ethel D Williams; his brother Clyde Williams; sisters Leola Jones and Mary Ella Lewis; and daughter Helene Roberts.

Alfred’s Favorite Quote: An empty wagon makes a lot of noise.

A visitation for Alfred will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. A funeral service will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. A committal service will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027. A catered reception will occur Friday, February 17, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com for the Williams family.