Mr. Walter Williams

Walter Williams, 91, of Peoria, IL passed away peacefully at 2:20 PM on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Unity Pointe-Methodist Hospital. Walter was born on July 25, 1923 in Starkville, MS to Clay and Adeline (Bell) Williams. He married Maria L. Readus after falling in love with her at first sight at a local Chicago laundry mat. On December 20, 1943 he married the love of his life in Chicago before being shipped off to war. She preceded him in death on September 27, 2004 after over 60 years of marriage. Walter was raised in Memphis, TN by his aunt Edith after his mother’s untimely death. He accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized in the Mississippi River. Later he was baptized at New Cornerstone Baptist Church as an adult. He was educated in the Chicago school system. Walter was a US Navy Veteran serving during World War II where he received a Silver Star Medal. He proudly served on the USS Philadelphia at Pearl Harbor. Walter had an outstanding work ethic. He worked as a mail handler for the US Postal Service in Chicago; retiring on December 24, 1992 after 28 years of service. He worked as a waiter with the Milwaukee Railroad; retiring from there after many years of service. Walter also worked as a doorman at 900 Lake Shore Drive. Walter was a charitable person. Over the years he gave money and time to organizations such as “Feed the Children” and the St. Jude’s Children Foundation. He would buy and deliver dozens of Turkeys at Thanksgiving to random needy families in the Chicago area. His family did not eat at Thanksgiving until others were fed first. Walter leaves to cherish his most precious memories his loving daughters; Janice Marable and Gail Foster both of Peoria; five grandchildren, Sean ( & Laquasha) Johnson, Sr., Sharahn Foster, Bobby “B-Joe” Foster, II, Anita “Nikki” Foster and Shante`(Arsenio) Marable-Davis all of Peoria; 8 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; others that affectionately called him Dad and granddad; a dear sister-n-law, Setrennia Readus of Chicago; a host of other relatives, friends and his New Cornerstone Church family. He is also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Oscar Williams; two sisters, Emma Lee Jackson and Vera Williams and one step-sister, Sue Hill. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at New Cornerstone Baptist Church with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 9 AM. Rev. Dr. Mark A. McConnell will officiate. Walter will be entombed at Swan Lake Mausoleum. Military honors will be rendered by the Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with pre-arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com

Tributes

Mr. Walter Williams

July 25, 1923 - September 6, 2014