Reverend Jodie Williams

So dear to God, so close to man that when the Lord called, he answered “I can.”

Reverend Jodie Henry Williams (Mac) was born on February 3, 1942, in Havana, Alabama (Hale County), to Willie Henry and Rubie Lee (Miles) Williams, the 3rd oldest child of 7 children. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, while surrounded by family.

Minister Williams accepted Christ at an early age and united with St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Havana, AL. After relocating to Saginaw, Michigan, he united with the Truevine Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert Corley Sr. Minister Williams was a dedicated and faithful servant serving as Associate Minister under the leadership of Pastor Paul E. Broaddus until his health failed. He loved his church family. Through the years he served on the Deacon Board, as Superintendent of Sunday School, the Male Chorus, Laymen’s Ministry, Teacher and leader of the Bible Study Class, and as Local Minister’s President of the Saginaw Valley Baptist District Association. He loved to teach, study, and witness the Word of God. In the past, Minister Williams also served as Worshipful Master of H. York Harrison Lodge #32, Past Worthy Patron of Bethel Chapter No. 23, Order of Eastern Star, as a Big Brother with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and a member of The Gideons International Ministry.

Minister Williams graduated from Moundville High School and also studied at Delta College. He came to Saginaw, Michigan in 1963 and began working for General Motors, Grey Iron Foundry for over 35 years (most of those years were spent as a Foreman). He married his beloved wife, Patricia Helm on September 13, 1963. Three children were born to this union, twins Kerry and Kenneth, and “Daddy’s Baby” daughter, Lisa. He loved his family and looked forward to family outings both near and far. He was a loving provider for his family. As his family grew, this proud “Papa” loved on those grands, great-grands, and his great-great-grand. His favorite pastimes included traveling, sports, gospel, oldies but goodies and R&B music, and playing dominoes and cards.

Minister Williams leaves to cherish wonderful memories his beloved and devoted wife of over 60 years Patricia; one son, Darius Gee, Austell, GA; daughter, Lisa Williams, Saginaw, MI; godson, Ta Juan LaBee, Seattle, WA; three adopted sons, Kenneth (Barbara) Reynolds, and cousin, James “Ray” Pearson (Niecy); Deacon Jerome (Dawn) Weathers, all of Saginaw, MI; 25 grandchildren including those whom he helped to raise, Timothy Tull, Kerry A. Williams Jr., Anthony Jodie (Jamika) Williams, Kimberly A. Valesquez, also Shandelric, Julia, Latonia, Kennetria and Kenneth, all of Miami, FL; Darius Jr. and Christopher of Georgia ; 36 great-grands including those he helped to raise, De’von Blake, Nicolas Harris, Acknowledge and Kerry A Williams, III; 1 great-great-granddaughter, River; sisters, Minnie Spence, Moundville, AL and Mable (James) Wright, Warner Robbins, GA; Brenda and Sandra GA, Dorothy, Beverly, and Vicky, Alabama; brother, Curtis, Ohio; sisters- in-law, Deborah Williams, Saginaw, MI, and Marion James, Kentucky; a special great-nephew, Jaquan Scott; brothers-in-law, Gregory, Jerry (Phyllis), Marvin Helm all of Louisville, KY; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends whom were all special and that he loved dearly.

Minister Williams was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Kent Wallace, twins Kerry and Kenneth Williams, granddaughter, Patricia “Patty Cake;” sisters and their spouses, Rubie Collins, Gladys Sharper, Bessie Myles, Edna Scott; brother, Willie Williams Sr. and many other relatives and close friends that have passed on through the years.

The family would like to thank Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel; Pastor Paul E. Broaddus and the Truevine Baptist Church family; numerous loved ones and friends who prayed with and for the family for years during Minister Williams’ illness. A special thank you to granddaughter, Jamika Blake, who helped faithfully in his care daily along with grandsons, Kerry and Anthony, granddaughter, Dynasty, and great-grandsons, De’von, Nicolas, and Acknowledge. We would also like to thank the many nursing staff from Covenant HealthCare and Select Specialty Care (Kendra Miles and Krystal Buckner) for your dedicated care of Minister Williams.