Welcome to Williams Funeral Home

Williams Funeral Home, Inc.

Our Beginnings

Williams Funeral Home, Inc. was initially established in 1945 under the name of Tribe Union Funeral Home an organization formed by members of North Sumter to dispose of the deceased. The organization was lead by the Rev. John Wesley Williams, Sr. and Founding members were: Rev. John Wesley Williams Jr., Rev. Robert Anderson, Rev. Richard Lloyd, Rev. R. M. Davis, Rev. Gable Tillman, Rev. M. J. Kirk, Deacon J. C. Capers, Rev. Frank E. Williams, Sr., Mr. Robert Anderson, Mrs. Addie Martin, Ms. Jenett Garner and Mr. Murray Pinckney, Sr., 'Father of Bill Pinckney the Original Drifter'.

The Vision

The organization underwent an official name change to Williams Funeral Home in 1947 under Rev. John Wesley Williams, Sr., Mrs. Clara Peay Williams, Rev. Frank E. Williams, Sr., Mrs. Annie M. Murray, Mrs. Katie S. Pinckney, Dr. L. W. Williams, Rev. Waddell A. Mack and Rev. Richard Holliday.

Rev. John Wesley Williams Jr., second eldest son of Rev. John Wesley Williams Sr. and Mrs. Clara Peay Williams was a graduate of Morris College and after having served his country as a Sgt. Major in the U.S. Army as Chaplain returned home to the aid of his father, becoming Manager, funeral director and Embalmer in 1948.

Rev. Dr. George Washington Williams Sr., the Eldest son of Rev. John Wesley Williams Sr. and Mrs. Clara Peay Williams was a graduate of Claflin College 'University' was actively serving in the U.S. Army as a Lt. Col. Infantry Division Chaplain. Rev. Dr. Williams committed moral and financial support to this bold endeavor while continuing to pursue his military career until his retirement.

The untimely death of Rev. John Wesley Williams Jr. in 1951 left Rev. Frank E. Williams Sr. who deferred his aspirations of a military career to obediently shoulder the load as 'keeper of the dream'. Meanwhile Rev. John Wesley Williams Sr. continued his rigorous ministry in the United Methodist Church with over 55 years in the ministry , serving in Lee, Kershaw and Sumter Counties. In the two story structure housed the Funeral Home on the lower level and living quarters on the upper level, making full use of a complete home atmosphere and all five bedrooms. Baptist Students away from their homes attending Morris College were graciously accommodated from 1947 to the 1970's as rooming boarders. Over those years students were housed to facilitate the completion their higher education. Many of which got married and did remain to make the Sumter community their permanent residence. We are exceptionally proud and privileged to have made even more recent accommodations for a granddaughter of two of the original borders while attending Morris College.

Frank married Magnolia Robinson of Rembert, S.C. in 1950, daughter of Deacon David Robinson and Sarah Dow Robinson. Magnolia was a graduate of Boylan-Haven Mather Academy and at that time a student at Morris College. In 1966, Magnolia embrassed her role as bookkeeper, attendant and obtained licensure as a funeral Director and Notary, so that she could be of greater assistance as lady attendant. To their union four children were born: Elder Georgia Donnell Williams-Miller, Rev. Frank E. Williams, Jr., Elder J. Elbert Williams and Ms. Sandra Deniece Clara Williams.
Frank and Magnolia, their four children, along with the unconditional support, love and encouragement of his father, Rev. John Wesley Williams, Sr. and Mother, Mrs. Clara Peay Williams, set out to develop a lucrative and viable business in the Sumter Community. This would take many years of total dedication and extreme sacrifice.

Moving forward - As we are today

The home for funerals, known today as Williams Funeral Home, Inc. remains a family owned and operated business. Rev. Frank E. Williams, Sr. passed away 29 July 2007. Mrs. Magnolia Robinson Williams became majority owner and President until her passing on 24, August 2013 of the corporation established 1 August 1983.

Rev. Frank E. Williams, Jr. Eldest son became corporate President and continues as Embalmer, Funeral Director and Notary. A 1975 graduate of Benedict College, Gupton- Jones College of Mortuary Science with National and State of SC board certifications. Serves as Pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Sumter, SC.

Elder J. Elbert Williams the younger son is Vice President, a graduate of Morris College, Hood Theological Seminary, attending Erskine Theological Seminary, notary, Graduate of Gupton- Jones College of Mortuary Science with National and State of SC board certifications as Embalmer and Funeral Director. Serves as Pastor of Bethel, Springville, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Churches in Marion, SC.

Ms. Sandra D. C. Williams the youngest daughter is Secretary Treasurer, attended USC and Johnson C. Smith Univ., a graduate of Morris College, Chris Logan School of Cosmetology and Troy State University. Retired from Sumter County Government as Benefits Administrator with over 30 years of public service.

Mrs. Thoma Lewis Williams from Rock Hill, SC is the spouse of Rev. Frank E. Williams Jr. She is the daughter of the late Mr. Thomas James Lewis, Sr. and Mrs. Sybil Baskin Lewis; both were funeral directors and embalmers for the State of South Carolina, also. Mrs. Williams is a Sumter School District retired educator. She serves as an Assistant English Professor at Morris College. She graduated from Winthrop (College) University with two B. A. degrees in English and Communications, the University of South Carolina with a M.Ed., and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. She holds National and South Carolina State Board certifications as an Embalmer and Funeral Director . She is also a Notary Public for the State of South Carolina.

Frank E. Williams, III is the son of Frank E. Williams, Jr. and Thoma Lewis-Williams. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He has a B. A. degree in Media Arts. He graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. He holds National Board and South Carolina Certification. He is a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director for the state of South Carolina and Georgia. He is also a Notary Public for the State of South Carolina.

Magnolia Brooke Williams is the daughter of Frank E. Williams, Jr. and Thoma Lewis-Williams. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with B.A. degree in English. She earned a Diploma in Cosmetology from Remington College and graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. She holds National and South Carolina State Board certifications as an Embalmer and Funeral Director. She is also a Notary Public for the State of South Carolina.

Thomas Wesley Williams is the son of Frank E. Williams, Jr. and Thoma Lewis-Williams. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He has a B. A. degree in Sociology.

Mr. Frank E. Williams III
University Of South Carolina
Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science
Funeral Director & Embalmer
National and State of SC board certifications

Ms. Magnolia 'Brooke' Williams
University Of South Carolina
Gupton Jones School of Mortuary Science
Funeral Director & Embalmer
National and State of SC board certifications

 

Mrs. Natiya Green-Neal
Morris College
Apprentice Funeral Director & Attendant

Mr. Thomas Wesley Williams
University Of South Carolina
Attendant