IN LOVING
Pallbearers Grainger Browning, III Douglas Bryant, Sr. Antoine Burton Kelvin Davis
Memory
Damon Fortune Russell Holmes Darren Nelson Melvyn Smith
Final Arrangements Entrusted to: Strickland Funeral Services 6500 Allentown Road Temple Hills, MD 20748
Trinity Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road Waldorf, MD 20601
Repast
Graces Event Center 4045 Renner Road Waldorf, MD 20602
Thank You The family wishes to express sincere thanks for all the many demonstrations of love. Your prayers, cards, visits, food, flowers, phone calls and other acts of kindness have been very comforting.
Alan Craig Williams OCT 2, 1973 – SEP 7, 2026 Mt. Ennon Baptist Church 9832 Piscataway Road Clinton,MD 20735 Delman Coates, Ph.D., Senior Pastor Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Viewing 10:00 AM Service 11:00 AM
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
THE LIFE & LEGACY OF
Alan
Alan Craig Williams departed this life suddenly on Monday, September 7, 2026. Alan, who was affectionately known as Craig, was born on October 2,1973, the second of three sons to Paulette Gardine Williams (Smith) and Orpheus Ulyssess Williams in Washington, DC. He attended Oxon Hill Elementary, Oxon Hill Middle and graduated in 1992 from Oxon Hill High school. Alan went on to attend Virginia State University majoring in English and playing on their Football Team. After his first semester of Freshman year, he sustained a knee injury that stopped his football journey. Alan then went on to attend and earn his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore majoring in English with a minor in Mass Media Arts. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Liberty University. As a young boy into adulthood, he has enjoyed participating in football, football, and more football, along with basketball, and any other sport. He is a strong lover of all the Washington, DC area sporting teams, especially the Washington “Redskins” Commanders. Alan began his professional career as an Educator in Prince George’s County, MD. He began his career at Green Valley Elementary School, Barbara Jordan Public Charter School, Nayl or Road School, Center City Public Charter School, William E. Dore Public Charter School, Accokeek Academy, Excel Public Charter School, and Barack Obama Elementary School. Alan has educated so many students ranging from 2 n d grade through 8 t h grade, he has served as the Dean of Students, Academic Advisor, and a Mentor Teacher. He has left a long history of students and colleagues that loved him for his sense of humor, his laid-back approach to life, and his Christian foundation. Alan met the love of his life, Iris Renea Miller, while working at Barbara Jordan Public Charter School. They married on June 30, 2007. In 2009, they welcomed their daughter Alana Elizabeth followed by their son, Idris Clark in 2015. Alan was a devoted man of faith and a steadfast source of love for his family. He enjoyed laughter, spending time with his wife and children, and traveling. Alan loved life. Known for his warm smile and hearty laugh, people gravitated to him. He and Iris enjoyed hosting guests with “theme” parties in their home. Alan was proceeded in death by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Irene Miller. He leaves to treasure his memories, his loving wife, Iris; daughter, Alana; Son, Idris; parents, Orpheus and Paulette Williams; brothers - Orpheus, Jr. (Kim) and Lamont; and host of friends, students, and colleagues. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Although Alan has transitioned back to our Heavenly Father, he will never be forgotten!
In Loving Memory
FROM HIS BROTHER, Orpheus, Jr.
For 52 years, Craig wasn’t just my brother — he was my constant. From childhood fistfights and church Sundays as “Them Williams Boys,” to being best men in each other’s weddings, our bond never faded. Even when life pulled us in different directions, every conversation felt like picking up a familiar book, full of laughter and stories that never got old. Craig lived with a quiet strength. He always knew who he was, and he built a loving, steady family with Iris — a partnership that reminded me of Ossie and Ruby Dee, Barack and Michelle, even Martin and Gina, full of love and loyalty. He grounded us all. I was his older brother but I always considered him my BIG BROTHER. I never imagined our last conversation would be the last. But it ended just like every conversation before it: “Love you baby… love you more.” That’s the peace I carry with me. Since your passing, every day has been hard to get through, the tears come often and out of nowhere. I listen to some of your favorite songs "Heaven Knows" by Leila Hathaway or "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder and I sit and think of you. I laugh, I smile, I cry. Lamont, Kim, and I will always be here for your family. And Craig — my big brother — your voice, your love, and your laugh will always stay with me. Lamont and I are and will always be, our brother's keeper.
FROM HIS BROTHER, Lamont Today I say goodbye to my brother and best friend. The person who taught me how to exist and how to not. A man of God, family and principle, a teacher of all. To the best person I have ever known, I bid a Joyful farewell. The love we built will last forever. I love you, Craig.
Order of Service
Musician: Virgil Boysaw, III, John Wesley United Methodist Church Soloist: Jamie Hart, Reid Temple A.M.E. Church
PROCESSIONAL Pulpit
OPENING HYMN- AMAZING GRACE SCRIPTURE Pulpit Old Testament: Psalm 23 New Testament: John 14:1-6
PRAYER OF COMFORT Pulpit
SELECTION- PRECIOUS LORD ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Pulpit
LIFE REFLECTIONS Melodic Music
TRIBUTES Stacey Montgomery Monique Reese Tyus Lewis Melissa Theodore Dr. Megan Ashworth
SELECTION- GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS EULOGY
Rev. A. Colette Rice, Executive Pastor Mt. Ennon Baptist Church
RECESSIONAL
In Loving Memory FROM HIS WIFE-Iris W h e n I t h i n k b a c k t o t h e da y I f i rs t la id m y e ye s on y o u , I t r u l y f e l t a s p a r k . I d id n ’ t r ea liz e t h at G o d w a s g i v i n g m e m y “ p e r s o n ” a n d on e of h is be s t . W h e n w e s t a r t e d d a t i n g a n d g e t t i n g t o k n o w o n e a n o t h er , I t h o u g h t t o m y s e l f h o w c o ul d I be s o l u c k y . W e g re w w i t h o n e a n o t h e r i n t o a c o u pl e t h a t h a d s o m a n y p l a n s a n d i d e a s t h a t w o u l d s pa n a li f et i m e . I n e v e r t h o u g h t t h a t w e w o u l d b e h er e t h is s o o n . I am go in g t o m i s s y o u , b e c a u s e y o u a r e m y be s t fri e n d, m y c o n f i d a n t , m y l a u g h i n g p a r t n e r , my mo v i e w a t c h i n g p e r s o n , a n d m y s h o p p i n g c o mp l ai n e r. G o d p r ov id e d m e w i t h s o m e o n e t h a t w a s pe r fe c t fo r m e. I a lw a ys a s k e d a n d p r a y e d t h a t G o d w o ul d gi v e m e s om eo n e w h o t r u l y u n d e r s t o o d a n d l ov e d me fo r m e . Y o u t o o k m e a s i s a n d n e v e r t r i e d t o c h an g e m e, y ou a l lo w e d m y f i e r y s p i r i t t o b e ju s t w h at i t w as w i t h n o e x c u s e s o r a p o l o g i e s . I a l s o l o v e d t h a t w e co u l d s e r ve G od as a c o u p l e a n d n e v e r d i f f e r e d o n o ur l ov e f or ch u rc h . W e w o u l d a l w a y s s a y w e a r e t h e “O rig in a l C h u r ch B a b i e s ” . W e w e r e t w o h e a r ts t h a t be a t a s on e . W e w e r e b o r n f o u r w e e k s a n d e ig h t da y s a p ar t . I w i l l a l w a y s m i s s a n d l o v e y o u, m y b a by , A la n C ra i g.
Loving Memories
In Loving Memory FROM HIS WIFE-Iris W h e n I t h i n k b a c k t o t h e da y I f i rs t la id m y e ye s on y o u , I t r u l y f e l t a s p a r k . I d id n ’ t r ea liz e t h at G o d w a s g i v i n g m e m y “ p e r s o n ” a n d on e of h is be s t . W h e n w e s t a r t e d d a t i n g a n d g e t t i n g t o k n o w o n e a n o t h er , I t h o u g h t t o m y s e l f h o w c o ul d I be s o l u c k y . W e g re w w i t h o n e a n o t h e r i n t o a c o u pl e t h a t h a d s o m a n y p l a n s a n d i d e a s t h a t w o u l d s pa n a li f et i m e . I n e v e r t h o u g h t t h a t w e w o u l d b e h er e t h is s o o n . I am go in g t o m i s s y o u , b e c a u s e y o u a r e m y be s t fri e n d, m y c o n f i d a n t , m y l a u g h i n g p a r t n e r , my mo v i e w a t c h i n g p e r s o n , a n d m y s h o p p i n g c o mp l ai n e r. G o d p r ov id e d m e w i t h s o m e o n e t h a t w a s pe r fe c t fo r m e. I a lw a ys a s k e d a n d p r a y e d t h a t G o d w o ul d gi v e m e s om eo n e w h o t r u l y u n d e r s t o o d a n d l ov e d me fo r m e . Y o u t o o k m e a s i s a n d n e v e r t r i e d t o c h an g e m e, y ou a l lo w e d m y f i e r y s p i r i t t o b e ju s t w h at i t w as w i t h n o e x c u s e s o r a p o l o g i e s . I a l s o l o v e d t h a t w e co u l d s e r ve G od as a c o u p l e a n d n e v e r d i f f e r e d o n o ur l ov e f or ch u rc h . W e w o u l d a l w a y s s a y w e a r e t h e “O rig in a l C h u r ch B a b i e s ” . W e w e r e t w o h e a r ts t h a t be a t a s on e . W e w e r e b o r n f o u r w e e k s a n d e ig h t da y s a p ar t . I w i l l a l w a y s m i s s a n d l o v e y o u, m y b a by , A la n C ra i g.
Loving Memories
In Loving Memory
Order of Service Musician: Virgil Boysaw, III, John Wesley United Methodist Church Soloist: Jamie Hart, Reid Temple A. M.E. Church
FROM HIS PARENTS-Mr. & Mrs. Williams
PROCESSIONAL Craig,
Pulpit
Our knight in shining armor, We will always have precious memories of you and the time we spent together. Our hearts are broken but nonetheless, the strife is over, the battle is done, the victory of life is won. We’ll see you again in the sunshine.
OPENING HYMN- AMAZING GRACE
Love Always, Momma and Dad
SCRIPTURE Pulpit Old Testament: Psalm 23 New Testament: John 14:1-6
PRAYER OF COMFORT Pulpit
SELECTION- PRECIOUS LORD FROM HIS SON, Idris
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Daddy, I will always love you and I know that you believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I miss you so much and I wish that I could have you back here with me and Alana.
Pulpit
FROM HIS Daughter, Alana Thank you, Daddy, for being the only one who really understood me. For always loving me for 17 years, for watching me grow, and even though there were those times that you annoyed me, I will not hide that, you still had faith that I would turn out to be a good person. I may still have some growing to do, I promise that I will continue to make you proud and live the way that you raised me to be.
LIFE REFLECTIONS Melodic Music
TRIBUTES Stacey Montgomery Monique Reese Tyus Lewis Stacey Montgomery Dr. Megan Ashworth
SELECTION- GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS EULOGY Rev. A. Colette Rice, Executive Pastor Mt. Ennon Baptist Church
RECESSIONAL
THE LIFE & LEGACY OF
Alan
Alan Craig Williams departed this life suddenly on Monday, September 7, 2026. Alan, who was affectionately known as Craig, was born on October 2,1973, the second of three sons to Paulette Gardine Williams (Smith) and Orpheus Ulyssess Williams in Washington, DC. He attended Oxon Hill Elementary, Oxon Hill Middle and graduated in 1992 from Oxon Hill High school. Alan went on to attend Virginia State University majoring in English and playing on their Football Team. After his first semester of Freshman year, he sustained a knee injury that stopped his football journey. Alan then went on to attend and earn his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore majoring in English with a minor in Mass Media Arts. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Liberty University. As a young boy into adulthood, he has enjoyed participating in football, football, and more football, along with basketball, and any other sport. He is a strong lover of all the Washington, DC area sporting teams, especially the Washington “Redskins” Commanders. Alan began his professional career as an Educator in Prince George’s County, MD. He began his career at Green Valley Elementary School, Barbara Jordan Public Charter School, Nayl or Road School, Center City Public Charter School, William E. Dore Public Charter School, Accokeek Academy, Excel Public Charter School, and Barack Obama Elementary School. Alan has educated so many students ranging from 2 n d grade through 8 t h grade, he has served as the Dean of Students, Academic Advisor, and a Mentor Teacher. He has left a long history of students and colleagues that loved him for his sense of humor, his laid-back approach to life, and his Christian foundation. Alan met the love of his life, Iris Renea Miller, while working at Barbara Jordan Public Charter School. They married on June 30, 2007. In 2009, they welcomed their daughter Alana Elizabeth followed by their son, Idris Clark in 2015. Alan was a devoted man of faith and a steadfast source of love for his family. He enjoyed laughter, spending time with his wife and children, and traveling. Alan loved life. Known for his warm smile and hearty laugh, people gravitated to him. He and Iris enjoyed hosting guests with “theme” parties in their home. Alan was proceeded in death by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Irene Miller. He leaves to treasure his memories, his loving wife, Iris; daughter, Alana; Son, Idris; parents, Orpheus and Paulette Williams; brothers - Orpheus, Jr. (Kim) and Lamont; and host of friends, students, and colleagues. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Although Alan has transitioned back to our Heavenly Father, he will never be forgotten!
In Loving Memory
FROM HIS BROTHER, Orpheus, Jr.
For 52 years, Craig wasn’t just my brother — he was my constant. From childhood fistfights and church Sundays as “Them Williams Boys,” to being best men in each other’s weddings, our bond never faded. Even when life pulled us in different directions, every conversation felt like picking up a familiar book, full of laughter and stories that never got old. Craig lived with a quiet strength. He always knew who he was, and he built a loving, steady family with Iris — a partnership that reminded me of Ossie and Ruby Dee, Barack and Michelle, even Martin and Gina, full of love and loyalty. He grounded us all. I was his older brother but I always considered him my BIG BROTHER. I never imagined our last conversation would be the last. But it ended just like every conversation before it: “Love you baby… love you more.” That’s the peace I carry with me. Since your passing, every day has been hard to get through, the tears come often and out of nowhere. I listen to some of your favorite songs "Heaven Knows" by Leila Hathaway or "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder and I sit and think of you. I laugh, I smile, I cry. Lamont, Kim, and I will always be here for your family. And Craig — my big brother — your voice, your love, and your laugh will always stay with me. Lamont and I are and will always be, our brother's keeper.
FROM HIS BROTHER, Lamont Today I say goodbye to my brother and best friend. The person who taught me how to exist and how to not. A man of God, family and principle, a teacher of all. To the best person I have ever known, I bid a Joyful farewell. The love we built will last forever. I love you, Craig.
IN LOVING
Pallbearers Grainger Browning, III Douglas Bryant, Sr. Antoine Burton Kelvin Davis
Memory
Damon Fortune Russell Holmes Darren Nelson Melvyn Smith
Final Arrangements Entrusted to: Strickland Funeral Services 6500 Allentown Road Temple Hills, MD 20748
Trinity Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum 3221 Mattawoman Beantown Road Waldorf, MD 20601
Repast
Graces Event Center 4045 Renner Road Waldorf, MD 20602
Thank You The family wishes to express sincere thanks for all the many demonstrations of love. Your prayers, cards, visits, food, flowers, phone calls and other acts of kindness have been very comforting.
Alan Craig Williams OCT 2, 1973 – SEP 7, 2026 Mt. Ennon Baptist Church 9832 Piscataway Road Clinton,MD 20735 Delman Coates, Ph.D., Senior Pastor Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Viewing 10:00 AM Service 11:00 AM
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS