SPARTANBURG, SC - Emery L. Williams, 65, passed on April 2, 2014. Emery and his twin sister, Emily, were born on August 27, 1948 in East Chicago, IN. They were twin children of the late Emery and Dolores Chambers Williams. Emery was a 1966 graduate of E.C. Washington High School. Williams matriculated at Lincoln University of Jefferson City, MO; he was a 1971 graduate of Indiana University of Bloomington, IN. After graduation, Emery resided in Chicago, IL. For twenty-four years he lived in California; he resided in San Francisco and later resided in Los Angeles, California. His professional career included risk management and vice-presidential positions with Travelers Insurance and Marsh & McLennan Companies. After his retirement, Emery served as Chief Financial Officer with The J. W. Woodward Funeral Home, Inc. in Spartanburg, SC. Williams was an active and devoted member of Abundant Life Church of Los Angeles for more than twenty years. After moving to Spartanburg, SC, Emery joined The Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church. Emery was a profoundly faithful member of Silver Hill, where he tirelessly served in many capacities. Williams worked in leadership positions with the Ministries Council, The United Methodist Men, The Breakfast Program of the Center of Hope, The Men's Monday Bible Study, The Adult Sunday School Class and The Men's Choir. In his church and community involvements, Emery served with honor, joy and unparalleled enthusiasm. Initiated at Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Indiana University, Brother Emery Williams served in leadership positions with the highest distinction, serving as Polemarch for the Spartanburg (SC) Alumni Chapter and serving as the Local Planning Committee Chairman for the 57th Southeastern Province Council of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Emery served Kappa Programs, both Collegiate and Alumni, with dedication. Williams enjoyed sports; he inspired “a love of the game” in others. Emery, fondly known as 'Sonny', 'Twin' and 'E', will be sorely missed by: his wife, Kay; his children, Tamra and Brian Drees, Dolores Durham Williams, Stinson Woodward Ferguson and James C. Ferguson, Jr.; his grandchildren, Benjamin J. Hill, Sophia and Alex Drees, James, Damihje and Jordan Ferguson and Kameron; his sisters, Pamela Williams and twin sister, Emily Alim; his aunt, Rebecca (Woodrow Bradford) Robinson; his uncle, Edgar L. Spikes; his cousins; the Powell and Durham families; treasured friends; loving church family and community colleagues. A Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Life of Emery L. Williams will be held on Thursday, April 10th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, John B. White Blvd, Spartanburg, SC. Interment will be in Fern Oak Cemetery of Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Emery L. Williams Memorial Fund, which benefits the Community Fund of the Spartanburg County Foundation, care of The Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or visit wwwspcf.org J. W. Woodward Funeral Home
Kay, please know that you and your family have my deepest sympathy, just want to share with you some words that was share with me that I hold on to even now. That God will never send you through a strom that God won't see you through. I pray that your Faith will strengthen you and know I am only a phone call away. Paulette Smith-Young
Remembering you in prayer during this special time. May angels lead him to paradise and may the Blessings of God the Father Almighty bring you peace as you mourn. Chuck Wilson
Kay, I am sadden to hear about your loss,my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time of bereavement. ' Trust in the Lord at all Times' Respectfully, Donald I. Roseboro Donald I. Roseboro Funeral and Cremation Service
My dear friend, there are no words I can say to ease the pain of your loss. I didn't know your husband, but I knew you were happy. You glowed and I even saw you holding hands. I was so happy for you. My husband and I talked about how happy you looked. I was so happy to see you happy. You know I have always loved you, my friend. We didn't visit or go out, but we were friends. You were there when I needed you and I wished that I could be there for you. God knows your pain and God will bring you through this. Only He can bring you through.?á I love ?áyou and will never forget how much you have done for my family. You are and always have been a sweet person. I never forgot our friendship, and neither did you. You have helped a lot of people. I want to come see you, but I had knee surgery and I am in so much pain I can hardly walk. It's getting a little better, ?áhopefully, I will be able to see you later, after everyone has gone.?á Kay, I am praying for you, don't worry about your husband, he is with God. He was not alone. ?áI wished I could take this pain from you, but I can't. I know someone else who can and so do you, Jesus. I just want you to know I love you and I am so sorry for your lost and if I can do anything, anything at all, call on me. I am here if you need me and I got some big shoulders.?á I know right now you have a lot of people visiting and you are not alone. I remember my mama told me, the time a person needs you is when everybody has gone. I promise you, I will be there to see you. I feel your hurt and sorrow. I cried when I heard the news, Kay, keep the faith, hold on to Jesus' hand, He will bring you through. I never lost a husband, but you know I know grief. If you need me for anything, Kay, and ?áyou know I am for real, I am as close to you as my phone 579-9747 home and my cell is 205-3470. Even though I can't get around well, I WILL be there. I love you, my dear sweet. friend and I am praying for you. God Bless you. Chris
We are sorry for your lost . All of us from Hattie E. Boyce Law Office send our deepest sympathy, and condolence to you and your family.
When those we love have left this earth, we still can feel them near. We'll see a picture, hear a song, and it?ÇÖs just like they are here. And when we call upon our faith, when we believe and trust, we know the ones we care about are always close to us.?ÇØ -(Constance Parker Graham) May God comfort you and your ?áfamily during this time of?ásorrow. The Talley and Lee Family (Ruth, Pamela, Terri and Dave)
Kay, please accept my deepest sympathy; my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Praying the peace of God rest on you. God bless. William B Cheatham and family.
Kay, Stinson and James, Lauren, Ross and I want to express our deepest sympathy to all of you over the passing of Mr. Williams. We understand the pain of losing someone you love. We are sure that he is at peace with our Lord. We pray that each of you find peace in the memory of the wonderful joy all of you shared as a family.
Mrs. Kay, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for your strength. May God Bless you! Janice ,LaTyphani , JaMarquis , and Carter Littlejohn
Kay you and your family are in our prayers. ?áWe know that at this time words seem to be so inadequate , but there is one thing for sure GOD'S words hold true. Trust HIM HE will get you through this time of grief. ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á CAUSE ME TO HEAR THY LOVING KINDNESS IN THE MORNING; for IN THEE DO I TRUST;CAUSE ME TO KNOW THE WAY WHEREIN I SHOULD WALK; FOR I LIFT UP MY SOUL UNTO THEE.. ?áPsalm143 vs 8.
Kay, Just sending a note to let you know you are in my prayers. My heart goes out to you in the loss of your husband. I pray God's comfort upon you during this time of grief. Be encouraged that God will continue to take care of you and your family. Bless you. Marcia msw46214 at sbcglobal.net
Kaye please know, I am thinking of you and I know its very hard, but remember God loves you and take one day at a time. Emery will be missed by a lot of people. Please know I am here for what ever reason, you have always been there for me and all of my lost. Much love for you. Lynn
Mrs. Kay, Dear Family and Friends: ?Ç£Please accept my sincere condolences, for your loss. Please know that God hear your cries and see your tears. In the near future all Sickness, death, pain, sorrow, injustice will be removed from the face of this earth. No more will there be any injustice, for He Sees and Hear all things. Please be comforted in knowing that soon these things will be a thing of the pass. May the God of Comfort, Comfort you at this time.' ?Çô Fred M. Miller (Sasebo Japan)
Dear Williams Family, I had the privilege of working with Emery during his time at Marsh in our Newport Beach office. ?áHe was always the professional, but most importantly the nicest and warmest person I'd every met. ?áHe often talked fondly about his twin sister, Emily and growing up in IN. We both had children, so he often shared stories of his daughter Dolores. ?áIf I had one word to describe Emery, it would be 'classy'. ?áHe was a class act! I feel very blessed to have known Emery Williams. ?áI extend my deepest sympathy to his immediate and extended family, friends and congregation. ?áMay he rest in peace.
Mrs. Kay Williams & Family: The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hands of God. Although it's difficult to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you today and tomorrow. We are thinking of you during this time, we love and care about you; our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear about this. Emery was a great friend and colleague at Marsh. We worked closely on claims matters for a large client and Emery was forever the gentleman and friend. I have and will miss him greatly. He was sweet and gentle and always gave his best to whatever endeavor he undertook.
To Miss Kay and all of Mr. Emery's family, ?á?á ?á I just happened to learn of Mr. Emery's passing by coincidence this morning and i am heartbroken. ?á We didn't not keep in touch very often but ?áyou all have no doubt made an incredible mark of my life. ?áI feel blessed that we have met and crossed paths. ?áFrom my family, my mom, Janet, my Grandmother Lorraine and I we send our love,prayers and deepest condolences.?á Love , Joy Hall in Baltimore
Kay: I am deeply sorry for the loss of your husband. ?áIt's been a long time since I have talked with you. ?áI knew you from Purdue University. ?áI am from GARY, INDIANA. God will keep you and your family. ?áYou have always been strong in all of your endeavors. ?á Kay stay strong.
Please know that you have our heartfelt sympathy, concern, prayers and love during this time of bereavement. We pray that the following words from our loving Savior Jesus, as recorded in His Holy Scriptures will give you comfort and peace. Jesus said 'I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25-26 Humbly Submitted, Michael A. Glenn of Friendship Baptist Church and The Michael A. Glenn Funeral Home
May the sweet Holy Spirit comfort your family in this time of need.
PRAYING GOD WILL GIVE YOU PEACE IN THE TIME OF YOUR BREAVEMENT.
Kay, our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time of bereavement. We pray the Lord comfort and strengthen you. If we may assist in any way, please let us know. With much prayer, Floyd & Mamie
The staff of Gardenview Funeral Chapel of Athens, Georgia sends our most profound sympathy. Rev. Batts & Staff have been including you in our prayers since we heard of your loss. Just know the prayers and support of dear friends will help sustain you in times like these. Continue to walk in the grace that you do daily and time will heal all. Humbly Submitted
Kay,our prayers are with you at this very difficult time. God Bless. Phillip and Mattie tanner- Howell
Soror Woodward Williams and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1) Love,?á Sundra Proctor Smith
To The Woodward-Williams Family & Staff: ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?á ?áOur thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time of bereavement. We were and are so very shocked and saddened to hear of your tragic loss. May God continue to bless and keep you, your family and staff in this of sorrow. ?áR.I.P Mr. Emery. Thank you, God bless!
Our prayes and love to the Williams family
Kay, and family, eords express my feelings for what has happened in your lives. This is truly tragic, and my prayer is that justice will be done. I love you my sister, and I am here for you. I pray that God will bring you comfort in time. I know that your grief is beyond any immagination, but he is with you. Love to all of you, Sara Ann
Mrs. Kay & Family, The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. May you find comfort & strength during this difficult time..RIP Emery-Gone but not Forgotten!!
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mrs. Williams and Stinson, and family, I was so sorry to learn of your loss, and will pray that you all soon find peace. I did not know Mr. Williams, but by all accounts, he was a wonderful person. I'm sure this is a difficult time, but I know that things will get better.
To Kay and Family, You have our sincere condolences and prayers. ?áMay God be with you.
Kay, our dear friend and extended family we can only imagine what you are going thru. Just remember he's in a better place now and you are not alone. You know what we just went thru just last year and you were there for us. Now we want to be here for you. Just reach out your hand and we will help you get thru this. As my mom Dorothy Hodge would say ' this too shall pass' . We love you Kay and when your up to talking you have my phone number..God bless you and your family in this time of need.
Praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirits and carry you and your family ?áthrough this time of sadness to a place of peace.?á With deepest sympathy
Send my heartfelt sympathy
Kay: We were deeply saddened to hear about Emery and you have our most heartfelt sympathy. It has been a great shock to hear of his death. ?áMy thoughts and wishes are for you to hold going forward the beautiful memories that I know you had with him as your loving husband and partner.?á But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ?á (Psalm 59:16, NIV) Your Cousin Rosemary Irving & Family
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