John Williams (Lansing)

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”
2 Timothy 4:7


Deacon John Antie Williams transitioned to Heaven on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at Sparrow Health Systems - Lansing Campus in Lansing Michigan. Age 79 years. He was born December 14, 1940, to Juanita Wiley (Burtley) in Blytheville, Arkansas.

Deacon Williams moved to Lansing, Michigan. He is an Army Vietnam Veteran who enlisted in 1966 for two years. John earned the rank of Sergeant and several medals during his enlistment. He worked for General Motors for 37 years. In 1973, he married the love of his life, Ernestine Thompson, who was a mother with 4 children. They had one child together, however, he loved and raised all five children as his own. They enjoyed life together for 47 years He a founding member and Head Deacon of Shiloah Missionary Baptist Church which he attended for 47 years, under the leadership of the late Pastor, Reverend Climmie Hughes and current Pastor, Reverend Kevin S. Brown. Deacon Williams loved the Church and all it stood for. He will truly be missed by all.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Ernestine Williams; 4 children, Charles Earl (Regina) Andrews, Melissa (Lonnie Marshall, Jr.) Andrews, John A. (Carolyn) Williams, Jr., and Bruce (Myrtis) Bell; 6 grandchildren, Charles (T.K.) Andrews, Jr., Reginald (Nicole) Andrews, Khadeja Andrews, Amber Warren, Quashawnda Taylor, and Stacy Taylor; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, brother, Orlando Bartwell and sister, Leoma Smith both of Nashville, Tennessee; honorary sister, Jean Rinkins of Trenton, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Dorothy Burtley; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives including his Shiloah Missionary Baptist Church family, and friends

Deacon Williams was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Wiley (Burtley); daughter, Johnie Andrews; sister, Dorothy Burtley; brothers, Eddie Coleman and Freddie Burtley.