Bishop Herbert J. Williams

His Story “The Ordinary Man with an Extra Ordinary Message” Bishop Herbert Junior Williams’ life began in Williamson, West Virginia on June 24, 1923. He is the fourth of nine Children born to the late Joseph and Martha Williams. Bishop’s father was also a profound preacher in the Church of God in Christ. Because of his dad’s ministry his dad moved the family from West Virginia to various parts of the Midwest, stopping in Detroit, MI for a while and finally settling in Saginaw, MI in 1932, where his father became the Pastor of Saints Home C.O.G.I.C. At the age of ten, Herbert began assisting his father in the ministry by running errands, mopping, making fires at the church and many other chores getting the house of God in readiness for service. As a result Bishop became interested in the wellbeing of the things of God and his people. Growing up in a religious family with strict parents, he was not allowed to do some of the things other children did, but he managed to be that GOOD little BAD boy. While in Saginaw, Bishop attended Salina Elementary School, Potter School, Central Jr. High School and Saginaw High School. In the early 1040’s his father assumed pastorate of a Detroit church, Alger Street C.O.G.I.C. and resettled the family. Bishop completed his education at Detroit’s Northern High School in 1942, where he was an ardent athlete receiving several letters in basketball, football and track. During his 11th year of high school God saved him, filled him with the Holy Ghost and called him into ministry that same evening. After graduation, he worked at Chrysler Corporation. Bishop was anticipating his career as a minister when his plans were interrupted by military obligations in April 1943. He served as Private 1st Class, Corporal, Staff Sergeant and Technical Sergeant. While in the Philippines, he was appointed Assistant Chaplain to Vesper Services and Sunday Morning Worship. He was granted the privilege to arrange and conduct his own services and was given a tent with materials to set up a little church which he named “Coconut Grove Church of God in Christ.” Bishop received an honorable discharge from the service in 1946, returning back to the states to his former job status at Chrysler Corporation. In 1948, Bishop became an ordained Elder and was appointed Assistant Pastor to his father, the late Elder Joseph Williams. The year 1950 brought both joy and sorrow to the Williams family. On June 17, 1950 Bishop married Iola Bruce. In November his father lost his life while attempting to save the life of a child. Thus, on November 27, 1950 Bishop assumed the tremendous responsibility of pastoring two churches. Alger Street in Detroit which later became Greater Emmanuel, Highland Park and Saints Home which late became Williams Temple in honor of his father. Bishop and Mother Williams have five children of which includes two sets of twins. For over sixty years Bishop and his family exhibited boundless energy and unlimited faith as they drove the highways between Saginaw and Detroit almost daily, regardless of weather conditions, preaching and teaching God’s Word at both churches. A family man, Bishop believed in families sticking together. He loved people, especially little people. He put spiritual things first in his life. He brought sunshine and hope to those who crossed his path. A pastor in his own right. Bishop labored in the church locally, state and nationally. To his congregations he was truly inspirational, sharing in their sorrows, joys, disappointments and achievements. He preached without hesitation and he reproved, corrected, instructed and understood all things pertaining to righteousness. Bishop led by word and example. Bishop was a worker. He was part of Northeastern Jurisdiction of Michigan under the Leadership of the late Bishop C. L. Anderson, Sr. and the Late Bishop C. J. Johnson. In August 1975, the North Central Jurisdiction of Michigan was established and in the month of October, Superintendent Williams at that time was consecrated to the Bishopric and installed as the Jurisdictional Prelate. In the community Bishop served as the Chairman of the Saginaw Area Coalition, member of the United Neighborhood Association, member of the Concerned Pastors Association, lifetime member of NAACP, member of the Saginaw and Flint Church of God in Christ Ministerial Alliances, member of O.I.C. Clergy Committee, member of the Police Chief’s Crime Prevention Task Force and Political Team for Saginaw County. In April of 1952 his National service began. He was appointed Assistant General Secretary of the National Elder’s Council (General Assembly) under the late Bishop W. G. Shipman. His service extends over 60 plus consecutive years as a National Servant of the Church of God in Christ. One of the greatest achievements of his career was to be elected by the General Assembly to the First Elected Judiciary Board of the Church of God in Christ, serving as Secretary of the Board. During his lifetime Bishop has received a bounty of awards, recognitions and honors. His life speaks for itself. Bishop Herbert J. Williams was godly proud to be the spiritual father of 32 sons in the Gospel. “To God Be the Glory.” To cherish his memory, Bishop Williams leaves five children, Bishop Reginald LaMont (Pia) Williams, Dallas, TX, Regina LaMethia (Stanley) Mobley, Ypsilanti, MI, Herbert Jai (Ava) Williams, Milford, MI, Hubert Jai Williams and Olivia Arnice Williams both of Saginaw, MI; one sister, Velma Barnett, Warrensville, OH; special godchildren, Reginald and Gloria Scott and family; special spiritual daughters and caregivers, Mary Williams and Mother Myrtis Williams, Flint, MI; one sister-in-law, Mattie Wilson, Highland Park, MI; one brother-in-law, Deacon George Bruce, Rochester, NY; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; spiritual families, Greater Williams Temple Church Family, Jackson Memorial Church Family and Michigan North Central Jurisdiction (Bishop J. Drew Sheard). How can we say THANK YOU, to Deacon Raymond L. Bady, spiritual son, caregiver, driver, everything that Dad needed, we honor YOU for honoring our father with the awesome care you provided. You went beyond the call of duty. To his wife, Sis. Yvonne Bady and family, thank you for sharing your husband and father with us. We love you more than our words can say. Family hour will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Victorious Believers Ministries COGIC, 624 South Outer Drive, Saginaw, MI 48601 with the funeral service commencing at 12:00 Noon, Bishop J. Drew Sheard will officiate and Elder Christopher V. Pryor, Host Pastor. Entombment will take place at Oakwood Memorial Mausoleum, 5950 Gratiot Rd., Saginaw, MI 48638. Friends may call at Greater Williams Temple COGIC, 608 East Remington Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48601 on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 3:00-8:00 p.m.

Bishop Herbert J. Williams

June 24, 1923 - September 20, 2018