Elder Micheal Williams

The story of Micheal Williams began on June 20, 1950, when God blessed Mary Louise Williams, Charlie P. Williams, and Lee Moore with a life that would grow to touch generations. Micheal came into this world alongside his twin sister, Michelle, who arrived just five minutes before him. From those beginnings came a man whose 76-year journey would be marked by faith, hard work, family, service, and an unwavering love for those he called his own. On September 5, 2026, Micheal's earthly journey came to a close as he answered God's call and entered his eternal home. Micheal accepted Christ at an early age at New Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Hightower. His faith remained an important part of his life's journey. He was ordained as a minister in the 1970s. After a season away from his calling, Micheal found his way back home to God and was ordained again in the early 2000s, a beautiful testimony of God's grace, restoration, and second chances. Micheal attended Manual High School but left before graduating to work full-time. However, leaving school never meant giving up on his education. In 1998, at the age of 48, Micheal proudly earned his GED. He was not only the oldest person in his class, but also achieved the highest test score, proving that it is never too late to finish what you started. A hardworking man, Micheal dedicated 30 years of service to Caterpillar, retiring in 1999. Retirement did not keep him still for long. He later worked for Carquest Auto Parts until its closure in 2014. His final employment was with Peoria Public Schools as a school crossing guard, and what may have started as a job quickly became another opportunity for Micheal to serve. He truly loved the children and took great pride in keeping them safe. His dedication earned him several awards, but the relationships he built with the children meant even more. Micheal faithfully served in this position until his passing. Micheal's ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He served as Assistant Pastor at the Church of the Living God, under the leadership of his best friend Bishop Leroy Smith Jr., where he was also a Y.P.P.U. leader, pouring wisdom and biblical guidance into young men. He sang in the Male Chorus and served as a Sunday School teacher. His tremendous knowledge of Scripture earned him the affectionate title of "the walking Bible." He later continued his service as an assistant at Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Alivn Riley Sr., where he remained faithful until his passing. Micheal also served as President of the Unshackled Program, a ministry that was especially near and dear to his heart. But of all the titles Micheal carried, family was his greatest ministry. Earlier in life, Micheal married Deborah "Tina" Williams, and from their union came three beautiful daughters. Although their marriage eventually ended, their friendship did not, and they remained friends throughout the years. Micheal later married his loving wife and life partner, Hazel Williams. When Micheal and Hazel joined their lives, they also joined their families. Hazel brought four children into their union, and together they later welcomed a daughter. But in their home, there was never his, or hers, they were simply their children and one family, bound together by love. Micheal and Hazel shared 45 years of love, family, and life together until his passing. Micheal truly loved his family and always wanted everyone close. Being a father brought him pride, but being a grandfather brought him another kind of joy. If his grandchildren had something going on, Papa wanted to be there. He attended their events, celebrated their accomplishments, and supported them through all their endeavors. His legacy grew to include 30 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren, with several proudly carrying the name Micheal. His name, just like his legacy, will continue through generations. Micheal also enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He made sure his favorite pork chops made it onto his plate at least once a week, and a cup of lemonade was never too far away. His nieces and nephews also held a special place in his heart. Micheal treated them like his own children, and many would proudly tell you that Uncle Micheal was their favorite. Micheal also shared a special bond with his sisters- and brothers-in-love. Their relationships were filled with love, laughter, support, and many memories that will forever be cherished. Micheal leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and life partner of 45 years, Hazel Williams; two sons, Terence Young and Aaron Waller; five daughters, Tamika Williams, Towanna (Kim) Wyatt, Micah (Larry) Davis, Corine (Kerry) Walker, and Erika Waller; 30 precious grandchildren; and 46 beloved great-grandchildren. He also leaves his beloved siblings, Betty Williams, twin sister Michelle (Barney) Carter, Ronnie (Lisa) Williams, and Shirley Parker; his wonderful godchildren, Carletta Reed, Tawanda Lowmack, Chantay Gray, Erica Collins, Kayla Valentine, Travelle Massey and Percy Payton; a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own; sisters- and brothers-in-love; cousins; extended family; church family; and many special friends. The Bible tells us, "A friend loveth at all times," and Micheal was blessed with many special friends who walked beside him throughout the different seasons of his life. Micheal was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Louise Williams, Charlie P. Williams, and Lee Moore; his beloved children, Angela Waller and Maulana Waller Sr.; granddaughter, Brettney Young; great-grandson, Houston Hobson; and siblings, Marie Williams, Hurley Williams, and Terry Williams. Micheal Williams was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, twin, uncle, godfather, minister, mentor, teacher, and friend. His life reminds us that it is never too late to finish what you started, never too late to find your way back to God, and that family isn't determined by how you came together it is determined by the love that keeps you together. There will be an empty place at family gatherings. Pork chops and a cup of lemonade will bring smiles and memories. His grandchildren will accomplish great things and wish Papa were sitting there watching. And whenever Scripture is quoted, someone will surely think of the family's beloved "walking Bible." Micheal's earthly journey ended on September 5, 2026, but his story did not. His legacy lives through every life he touched and every generation carrying a piece of him forward. We would have chosen more time, but we thank God for every one of the 76 years He gave us with Micheal. "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." Rest well, Micheal. Rest well, Husband. Rest well, Dad. Rest well, Papa. Rest well, Brother. Rest well, Elder. Your work is finished, but your love and legacy will live on. A Celebration by of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 at New Morning Star Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation commencing at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Cleveland Thomas will host and Reverend Alvin Riley Sr. Pastor of Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church will present the Eulogy. Elder Micheal will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements were made especially for the “Williams” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. Live streaming can be viewed by clicking the link for TW Parks Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel.

Elder Micheal Williams

June 20, 1950 - September 5, 2026