James MacArthur Williams

Deacon James MacArthur Williams, affectionately known as “Mackey”, was born July 29, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, the oldest child of Joe Dean Williams and Julia Mae Brown.

He moved to Lorain, OH at the age of nine, along with his mother, and aunt, Dorothy Wright. He attended Lorain City Schools and graduated from Lorain High School in 1961. James enlisted in the United States Army after graduation and obtained an honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant in 1966.

1968 He was united in marriage to Joyce Nelson and to this union two daughters, were born, Erica Lyn Williams-Lasion and Julia Nicole Williams.

In 1969, James joined the Bethany Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Reginald Winbush. He served his Lord, for many years, through Bethany Baptist Church in a number of capacities. As a teacher, he taught Sunday School, New Members’ Classes and Bible Study; He sang in the Mass and Senior Choirs as well as the Starlight and Male Chorus. Over the years he further served, both as Chairman of the Deacon and Trustee Boards. He was a strong supporter of the Missionary Society understanding that the ministry of help is needed in this world. Deacon, a student of the Bible, could often be found in a quiet space reading and studying. He truly believed the word of God: “Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.

Deacon Williams believed in community. He was a former member of the Outreach Choir under the direction of Sister Blossie Wright, a former teacher of the Sandusky Sub-District Congress of Christian Education and a member of the Elyria Branch NAACP.

James’ employment included Manager of the former Cook United Ontario Department Stores in Lorain, Cleveland and Toledo, OH., Vice-President of Industrial Transport Trucking Co, Cleveland, Correctional Officer at the Lorain County Correctional Institute, Grafton, OH and retired from the Lorain County Transit System as Manager.

James received his Associate Degree in Business Management from Lorain County Community College, Elyria, Bachelor from Tiffin University, Tiffin, OH.

James believed in what was True and Right, and tried to encourage whomever he could along the way. Two of his favorite saying were “Call a spade a spade”, and “Noone is better than you and you are not better than anyone else [we are all God’s children]”. The scripture he could be heard repeating the most is Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount upon wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Amen.

James MacArthur transitioned peacefully into his heavenly home on his 81st birthday with family around him, singing his favorite songs of Zion and praising God for a life well lived.

Deacon Williams leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 55 years, Joyce Williams, Daughters Erica Lyn Williams-Laison (Royce), Julia Nicole Williams, of Lorain, Siblings, Norma Carson, Lorain, Esther Haynes, Montgomery, Ala, Joseph Washington, Cleveland, OH, Joan Qualls (Jerry) Henning, TN, Brother– in– Law, Bruce Rogers of Lorain; Sisters, Martha Price, Detroit, MI, Arleen Pearson,
Montgomery, Ala. Cousin/Sister, Marcella Wright, Lorain, OH. Brother-in-Laws, Michael (Lelette) Nelson, Upper Marlboro, MD, Richard (Jacqueline) Nelson, Detroit, MI and Lenford Nelson, Elyria. And a host of relatives and friends who loved and respected him.

 James was preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents, Sisters, Sandra Washington, and Ann McKinnie, Brother Joe William. "To God Be the Glory"

Wake will be held on Sunday 8/6/2023 from 4p-7p at Bethany Baptist Church 334 17th St Elyria, Ohio.

Viewing will be on Monday 8/7/2023 at 10am with a celebration of Life to follow at 11am located at Second Baptist Church 427 Chapman Lane Elyria, Ohio.

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to 

Carter Funeral Homes Inc.

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