Musical Prelude...........................................................................................................Musician Processional.....................................................................................Clergy, Family and Friends Opening Selection.....................................................................Gethsemane Celebration Choir “How Great is Our God” Scripture Reading Old Testament………………………………....…………………Deacon Herald Gibson New Testament…………………………………………………..........Veronica Williams Prayer of comfort..........................................................................................................Minister Musical Selection......................................................................Gethsemane Celebration Choir “Every Praise” Reflections.....................................................................................…........….......Scarlett Grant Linda Kindred Robin Jones, Tilley Family Acknowledgments...........................................................................................Tinisha Williams Silent Reading of Obituary Photo Montage Musical Selection......................................................................Gethsemane Celebration Choir Eulogy.........................................................................................Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. Recessional.....................................................................................................Family & Friends “Let the Church Say Amen”
Hampton Memorial Gardens 155 Butler Farm Rd, Hampton VA
Lawrence Williams, Jr., 94, transitioned from this earthly life and entered eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 18, 2026. He was born on May 5, 1932, in Oak City, NC, as one of nine children born to Cora Lynch and Lawrence Williams Sr. Eight of his siblings preceded him in death: Jasper, Leatha, Sherman, Elijah, Emily, Ethel, Mary, and Virgil Lawrence Williams Jr. and his beloved wife, Erma Lucas, shared 65 years of marriage. From this union, they were blessed with seven children: six daughters and one son, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Their love and commitment to one another created a beautiful family legacy that will live on for generations. He worked various jobs throughout his life, including working at the Daily Press and providing private landscaping services for many families. His dedication and attention to detail left lasting impressions. His favorite role was serving as lead maintenance landscaper, to which he dedicated more than 50 years with pride and unwavering commitment. Dad loved the Lord; he was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church for many years. As a servant of the Lord, many were blessed to have been recipients of his kindness, love, and generosity. Brother Williams had an amazing ability to make people feel special. Up until his illness progressed, he continued to serve the Lord. Lawrence Williams was preceded in death by his beloved wife and his daughter, Faith Williams. He held their memories close throughout his life, carrying the love they shared in all he did. He is survived by Joyce W. Cannon (Raleigh, NC), Kem Williams (Charlotte, NC), Constance Walker (Robert) (Wake Forest, NC), Ivy Johnson (Stanley) (Richmond, CA), Lawrence Williams III (Bronx, NY), and Wendy Wallace (Charlotte, NC). Six grandchildren, Rasheena Brown (James), Sophia Brown, Quincy Walker, Avery Walker, Levi Wallace, and Lawrence Wallace; and four great-grandchildren (deceased): SSgt Quinte Brown, Cannon Brown, Lucas Brown, and Cameron Brown. In addition, Lawrence is survived by Sister-in-law, Mary Lou Williams. He also leaves behind a loving circle of nieces and nephews, as well as his Gethsemane Baptist Church family, all of whom will treasure his memory. He also leaves behind his faithful K9 companion of 15 years, his beloved dog, Gideon Ray Williams, who brought constant companionship and unwavering loyalty. A comforting presence who shared both quiet days and cherished moments by his side. Those who knew Lawrence remember not only his dedication and strong work ethic, but also the warmth and kindness he extended to family, friends, and neighbors. His life reflected steady devotion, especially to the family he and his wife built and loved.
I’m Free I'm
By: Janice M. Fair-Salters
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
Juluis Walker Devin Williams Gary Moore Marcus Evans Levi Wallace DarianWillis
Family and Friends
The family of the late Lawrence Williams acknowledges with sincere appreciation the many comforting messages of local tributes and other expressions of kindness evidenced at this time in thought and deed.