Lionel Williams

Rev. Lionel Sinclair Williams, Sr. was the son of the Late Rev. Sylvester Williams, Jr. and the Late Dorothy P. Williams. He was the stepson of the Late Emma Jean Williams. Rev. Lionel S. Williams, Sr. has been an attentive husband to Alnette L. Jones Williams for the past fifty years. God solidified their union with three children: Deborah Williams (Eddie), Tina Williams Tyler and Lionel Sinclair Williams, Jr., and one grandchild: Christopher A. Walker, Jr. He is also the father-in-law of Steven Tyler. Rev. Lionel Williams was the brother of the Late Sylvester Williams III, Lawrence Williams (of Ellenwood, Ga.) (Carolyn), Nathaniel P. Williams, the Late Marie Williams, Evelyn Young(Emmanual), Julia Dugue (Gary), Esther Collins, Naomi Cheatham (Willard), Peggy Benion (Mark), the Late Edith Williams, and Shevonda Marco (Lionel). Rev. Lionel was the stepbrother of Richard and the Late Troy Lebeau. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, friends, and brothers and sisters in the Family of the Lord Jesus Christ. Lionel Williams Sr. was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School located in New Orleans Historic Lower Ninth Ward. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Air Force and later attended Delgado College. Rev. Lionel was an avid Orleans Parish School System volunteer worker for 28 years, receiving two parent awards from the Orleans Parish School Board and countless other meaningful acknowledgements over the years. He worked hands on with the children in the classroom, the Host Program as a tutor, after school homework programs, attended workshops for parents, and delivered Thanksgiving baskets to parents of Philips Wheatley Elementary School and First New St. Mark Baptist Church. Lionel Sinclair Williams, Sr. boldly served Jesus Christ all of his life, but in 1977 he had a personal experience that fostered a new relationship with Christ. He was ordained into the Ministry and walked, talked, preached and lived his life for Jesus. He professed the message of Christ bravely by preaching on street corners, in the projects, and starting a home ministry. He served as Assistant Pastor under the leadership of the Late Elder Newman before serving his father the Late Rev. Sylvester Williams under the same title. He was later appointed to Pastor of First New St. Mark Baptist Church. Rev. Lionel S. Williams, Sr. has advised countless people from all walks of life. He did not care the environment, situation or person, Rev. Williams was always on God’s duty counseling not only church members, but principals, parents, students, staff members, strangers, friends, or anyone with a need especially those that had not accepted Jesus Christ into their lives. Rev. Lionel faithfully communed and ministered to all types of people regardless of status from Mayor Marc Morial and members of federal, state and local government, to the sick and shut in, homeless, gang members, and children. He has led prayers at PTA meetings, school functions and night programs at Mundy, William O Rodgers, and Philips Wheatley Elementary Schools to name a few. Rev. Williams believed the word of God wholeheartedly and like Jesus he brought the message of God directly to the front lines to the lost. He also found bold brazen ways to share his wisdom and imparted Gods word unconventionally such as crafting a 15 ft. white wooden cross with the words Jesus Saves lovingly scripted, or riding through the uncertain streets of New Orleans, La. During the Mardi Gras Holidays with a loud speaker strapped to the top of his car confidently declaring the word of God throughout the city. He has always proudly declared “If I was bold when I was in the world, then I will be bolder for the Lord Jesus Christ.” Rev. Lionel Williams loves to listen to other ministers preached the word of God. He believed in sharing the pulpit with other ministers. When he attended church he loved to serve a LIVE LIVING GOD. Rev. Williams was a proud ambassador for Christ who loved to serve his one true living God. He believed when the Holy Spirit is present you should let him do his job. He led innumerable souls to the grace and comfort of the Lord including inflicted individuals lying on their dying beds. Father to many, confidant to many more: the Late Reverend Lionel Sinclair Williams, Sr. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a wake service at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at First New St. Mark B.C., 1208 S. Lopez St. Vistation will be from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM. A funeral service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at First New St. Mark B.C., 1208 S. Lopez St. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Interment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share condolences online.

Lionel Williams

October 25, 2017