THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605230594
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 46 lines
Rev. Marvin Lee Williams, pastor emeritus, of the 6000 block of Clear Springs Road, entered eternal rest peacefully at his home Saturday May 18, 1996.
A native of Louisburg, N.C., Rev. Williams accepted Christ at an early age and was a devoted member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. Educated in the North Carolina Public School System, Rev. Williams went on to earn both bachelor of arts and divinity degrees from Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. While at Shaw he met the former Ms. Ether Juanita Lash, whom he later married and remained devoted to until the time of his death. He began his work in the ministry at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Fayetteville, N.C. He then relocated to Elizabeth City, N.C., where he pastored Olive Branch Baptist Church for 10 years. A short time later God called Rev. Williams to Rocky Mount, N.C., where he was appointed secretary of promotional work for the Southern Baptist State Convention. In 1969, Rev. Williams was called to pastor First Baptist Church Lamberts Point, Norfolk, where he served for 20 years and upon retirement was bestowed the title pastor emeritus. After retirement from First Baptist Lamberts Point, Rev. Williams continued his work in the ministry by serving as an assistant to the pastor at both Shiloh Baptist and St. Mark RUZA, Norfolk. He also served as interim pastor at Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church, Chesapeake, and until illness prevented him to do so he served as interim pastor at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Norfolk.
During his career Rev. Williams received numerous honors, including an honory doctorate from the Virginia Seminary. He also remained active in several organizations, including, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, The Shaw University Alumni Association, and the Tidewater Ministers Conference.
He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Ether L. Williams; a daughter, Renee Williams-Walke of Virginia Beach; three sons, Mahlon D. Williams of Carborro, N.C., Rodney L. Williams of Virginia Beach, Warren L. Williams of Montreal, Canada; 14 grandchildren, Mahlon Jr., Crystal, Tere, Joy, Tracey, Steven, Rashel, Raphel, Monique, Alexander III, Rodney Jr., Reuel, Alonge, and Ranen; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The funeral will be conducted at noon Saturday by the Rev. Anthony Paige at First Baptist Church Lamberts Point. Interment will be in Rosewood Memorial Park, Virginia Beach. Viewing will be held Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. The family will receive friends at Riddick Funeral Service from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The body will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. Saturday. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB