Apostle Charles J. Williamson

Apostle Charles J. Williamson a devoted husband, loving father, decorated veteran, master tradesman and an uncompromising soldier in the army of the Lord transitioned peacefully into eternal rest on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Surrounded by his loving family and undergirded by a faith that never wavered, he answered the Master’s call at the age of 97. A life well-lived, Apostle Williamson leaves behind a towering legacy of faith, sacrifice and spiritual impact that echoes from the steel mills of Indiana to sanctuaries across the nation. Born September 20, 1927 in Somerville, Tennessee, Charles was the beloved son of Charlie Williamson, Sr. and Bettie Whitmore Williamson. In 1943, seeking better opportunities, the Williamson family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. Shortly thereafter, Charles father was drafted in to World War II-a mantle of service that Charles would one day carry with honor. He, too, was drafted and received a deferment-but duty called louder than comfort. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and remained on active duty when it transitioned into the United States Air Force in 1947. He faithfully served through the Korean Conflict, completing his tour of duty in 1953. He embodied the definition of discipline and courage, principles he would later impart both in life and ministry. After his military service, Charles moved to Gary, Indiana in 1954, where he lived with his brother Daniel. He took employment with U.S. Steel Corporation and later American Bridge Corporation, lending his strength and craftsmanship to the construction of American landmarks-including the famous Mackinaw Bridge. Though he helped build structures of steel, it would be souls he’d later dedicate his life to building. On February 1, 1958 Charles married the love of his life, Claudette Thornton Williamson. Their union of over six decades was a living example of God-centered love and purpose. Together, they raised five sons, Ralph, Zachary, Charles, Joseph and Frederick with a commitment of faith, family and fortitude. But the greatest transformation in Charles’ life came in 1961, when he surrendered his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. That decision launched a lifelong pursuit of holiness, soul winning, and kingdom-building. His thirst for truth and power in God led him from the pew to the pulpit, and from the pulpit to the nations. From Basement to Breakthroughs He began pastoring in the basement of his home at 1150 Williams Street in Gary. From those humble beginnings, the Church of Deliverance In Christ was birthed-where signs, miracles and wonders abounded. Families like the Stuckeys, Randles, Manyfields, Thorntons and Williamsons were among the first to gather. His pulpit extended far beyond church walls-into housing projects, street corners, and nursing homes. He preached with passion, cast out demons, and ushered in deliverance. His church grew and transitioned from 15th and Broadway to a furniture store-turned-sanctuary on 2747 W. 11th Avenue, drawing faithful families like the Frison and the indelible Sister Sallie Carter and her children, whose evangelism helped ignite a revival that led many-including the late Dr. Lorenzo Bonds and Apostle Bennie Mabon-to Christ. Apostle Williamson later stepped down from the pastorate in May 1972, and the church was renamed Temple of Deliverance, now under the leadership of Pastor Brian Bonds. A Fire Rekindled In November 1972, Apostle Williamson, Claudette, and their family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, where he became overseer of Full Gospel Deliverance Church under Pastor James Foster. What followed was a national evangelistic revival-holding crusades, revivals and services across the United States. Whether in Washington D.C., Alabama, Pennsylvania, Georgia and the Carolinas, Apostle’s voice thundered with apostolic authority and compassion He planted churches, nurtured ministries, and mentored leaders from coast to coast. Back to the Roots Returning once more to pastoral work, he began holding services in the home with Prayer Meetings and Bible Studies, soon moving into the homes of Jeanette Vaughn and later Robert and Jenell Thomas. Out of those gatherings was born The House of the Lord Evangelistic Church at 2602 S. Washington Avenue, Saginaw-a house that became a Hub of Holy Ghost fire, when street revivals, conventions, and crusades shook the city. Every May, an annual Holy Convocation drew crowds from far and near to experience healing, salvation, and deliverance. Through it all, he remained a humble man with a servant’s heart-never too great to repair a leaking pipe or lift a heavy load. A Builder of Men Skilled with his hands and anointed with the Word, Apostle Williamson was a true Renaissance man. Plumbing, carpentry, painting, electrical work, masonry-there was little he could not do. But his greatest building projects were people. He poured himself into others-spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In his final years, his care was entrusted to a loyal circle who exemplified devotion whose sacrificial love provided and making every moment count. Apostle’s sons-Frederick, Ralph, Charles, Joseph, Zachary and Tracy Fife-also stood as pillars of love and strength during this scared season. Among his faithful supporters was Sis. Jeanette Vaughn who served Apostle and Mother Williamson for 49 years. In 1987, his son Zachary was licensed and ordained into ministry-continuing the generational call. Today, Bishop Zachary D. Williamson and Lady Vina L. Williamson carry the torch as pastors of Saginaw Full Gospel Holy Temple under the leadership of Apostle Herman L. Murray, Jr. of Dallas, Texas. A Legacy that Transcends Time Apostle Charles J. Williamson’s influence is incalculable. He was a soul-winner, a teacher, a prophet, and a father to many, not just by blood but by spiritual adoption. Dozens of churches trace their origins to his voice. Countless preachers cite his impact, and innumerable souls walk in the light because he said yes to God. He now joins the great cloud of witnesses, his labor complete. His voice at rest, and his spirit forever alive in the Kingdom he so faithfully served. We celebrate not a death, but a promotion. Not a goodbye, but we shall see you again. Left to cherish many memories of Apostle Williamson is his daughter, Janice Douglas; sons, Larry (Ann Toni) Williamson, Ralph Williamson, Bishop Zachary (Vina) Williamson, Charles Williamson, Joseph Williamson and Fredrick Williamson; sister, Emma Henderson; brothers, Daniel Williamson and Jerry Williamson (JoAnn); sister-in-law, Anita Williamson; grandchildren, Bryon Williamson, Brandon Williamson, Jacqueline Nelson, Christopher Douglas, Roberta Reeves Garten, Keshia (Brandon) Carter, Zachary (Brenica) Williamson II and Fredrick Williamson; 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Claudette Williamson; parents, Charlie and Bettie Williamson; three brothers, Leroy Williamson, Allen Williamson and Lloyd Williamson; five sisters, Margaret Levy, Claudetta Williamson, Sallie Stuckey, Geraldine Frison and Luria Jean Randle. Apostle Charles J. Williamson will be greatly missed by his countless spiritual sons and daughters that he birthed into the Kingdom of God whose lives he touched with his warmth and generosity a legacy that time cannot erase. Final Reflections To know Apostle Williamson was to witness a man who believed “truly believed” that with God, nothing is impossible. He lived it. He preached it. He was it. The trail he blazed is lit with faith, the walls he built still stand, and the Kingdom he loved is richer because he lived. He has fought a good fight. He has finished his course. He has kept the faith. Rest well, Apostle. Your work speaks for you. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Saginaw Full Gospel Holy Temple, 1200 E. Genesee, Saginaw, MI 48601. Bishop Zachary D. Williamson will officiate. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442. Visitation will take place 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Apostle Charles J. Williamson

September 20, 1927 - June 21, 2025