Memorial Program for the Late Edward M. Williams

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The family wish to express their gratitude and sincere thanks to friends and family.

We would also like to acknowledge with deep appreciation the comforting messages, floral tributes, prayers, expressions and acts of kindness and love.

The Family

REPAST Paulette K Ford Community Center 85 Lenox Street, Paulette Ford Way Boston, MA 02118

Loving Memory of

BABA EDWARD MERVYN WILLIAMS December 2, 1936 – October 27, 2025 Edward’s life was a tapestry of dedication, wisdom, and love.

Born in Trinidad, he began his career as an electrician at APEX, where his passion for cricket flourished. Not only did he play on the company’s team, but he also rose to become its captain—a role that reflected his natural leadership and team spirit.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Edward furthered his education at the University of England before migrating to the United States in the 1970s. He settled in Boston with his beloved wife, Juanita, and their extended family, building a life rooted in hard work and community. Edward worked at CDA as a carbon paper technician and later served as a mental health worker at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, where he remained until his retirement at age 65. His compassion and calm presence made a lasting impact on those he cared for.

Beyond his professional life, Edward was a co-owner of Juanita Records, one of Boston’s most popular record shops in the 1990s.

Together with Juanita, he created a vibrant cultural hub that celebrated music and brought joy to many.

Edward was also known as a Baba—a spiritual teacher and healer whose gifts touched countless lives. His wisdom, generosity, and quiet strength were a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

Edward is survived by his devoted spouse, Juanita Williams; Adrian Williams, Avian Williams, Aixia Williams-Benn, Kurt Williams, Lester Williams, Curtis Young, Fabian Williams, Nicole Williams, Ophelia Williams, Kim Marshall, and Roy Marshall.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and family, including 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-greatgrandchildren. His spirit lives on in each of them, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply cherished.

Edward’s memory will forever be honored through the kindness he showed, the lives he uplifted, and the generations he shaped. As we gather to celebrate his life, let us reflect on the lessons he imparted and the love he shared.

May his spirit continue to guide us with grace, compassion, and peace.

O B I T U A R Y

Abide with Me Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;

ORDER OF SERVICE OFFICIANT: MINISTER KAREN MUSICIAN: BROTHER JOHN CLEMONS

The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;

Processional

When other helpers fail and comforts flee,

Invocation ………………………..…..Minister Karen

Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;

Selection …………………………….......Sister Melissa “In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions” Opening Introduction…………..……...Minister Glen

Change and decay in all around I see—

Psalms Reading …………………...Reverend Gregory

O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Selection …………………………….......Sister Melissa “In The Sweet By and By”

I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?

Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;

Obituary Reading……………………..Minister Karen Family Remembrance of Baba: Daughter-Kim Marshall Niece-Rosemarie Glaude Son-Adrian Williams Son-Rahking Williams Eulogy………………......Daughter, Ophelia Williams

Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

Sermon ………………..…………………Pastor Ashby

I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Selection …………………………….......Sister Melissa “Abide With Me and Chorus”

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;

Closing Remarks……………………..Minister Karen

Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies; Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

COMMITAL CEREMONY YORUBAN CEREMONY will be performed by sons, Rahking and Adrian with Brother Floyd Williams

O R D E R O F S E R V I C E

L O V I N G M E M O R I E S