Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Williams, John Britton May 1, 1952
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Diane Renfrow dianel14@gmail.com June 25, 2016, 3:40 pm

Norfolk Journal and Guide,May 10,1952
Norfolk - Funeral services were held Sunday at 2 p.m. at St. Paul C.M.E. Church
for John B. Williams, widely known religious, civic and fraternal leader, with
the Rev. John T. McClennon, pastor, officiating.

Mr. Williams, a native of this city, died early Thursday morning, May 1, at his
residence, 846 Goff street, following a protracted illness.

A devoted and active churchman, he had been a member of St. Paul for about 45
years and had served as superintendent of the Sunday school for 27 years.

An outstanding Elk, he was the only one in this section holding the honorary
title of past grand exalted ruler, the highest distinction the grand lodge can
bestow in recognition of faithful, consecrated and constructive service to the
order of Elks.

Hundreds of admiring friends and acquaintances packed the auditorium of the
church during the funeral rites of Mr. Williams, who was highly esteemed in the
local community and wherever else he happened to be known.

His long religious activity in the church was marked with zeal. In addition to
serving as Sunday school superintendent, at the same time he shouldered various
other responsibilities at St. Paul. He had served at different periods as a
trustee and steward, and had headed numerous important committees.

Possessed of a widely-recognized capacity for raising badly needed funds for
religious purposes, many years ago he became a key figure in helping to raise
the money that went into the construction of the present edifice at St. Paul
street and East Olney road.

Beside the large number of members of his and other churches attending the
funeral, members of Greater Norfolk Lodge No. 132, which the deceased had served
successfully for a total of approximately 10 years as exalted ruler, or chief
officer, turned out in a body. The same was true of the Sons of Norfolk and
Beneficial Association of which “J. B.” as he was affectionately called in
fraternal circles, was a past president.

Elks and Daughter Elks representing the local lodges and temples and the
Virginia State Association from distant points also were in attendance.

An intimate personal and Fraternal friend of the late J. Finley Wilson, Elk
grand exalted ruler who expired about three months ago, Mr. Williams also had
been honored with the position of assistant grand master of social sessions,
thereby having the distinction of being the only known Elk in this state holding
two grand lodge titles at the same time.

For at least 10 years he had not missed an Elks national convention regardless
when it met, up until last August when illness prevented his joining the “Bills”
at the annual meeting in Buffalo, NY. J. B.’s last trip to a convention was made
in 1950, when it met in San Francisco, CA.

In addition to his church and fraternal connections at the time of his death, he
was a director of the Tidewater Fair Association, sponsors of the annual and
popular Suffolk Fair. He maintained a deep interest in matters directly
affecting his race, and remained an active member of the Norfolk Branch of the
NAACP until stricken by illness.

He manifested uncommon love and devotion for his City of Norfolk, but was never
blind to its shortcomings.

Scores of condolences were received at the funeral, but the only one selected
for reading came from the Rev. J. H. Billups, a former Norfolkian pastoring in
New Jersey, which referred to the personal help the deceased had rendered the
minister while the latter was in school and college.

Mr. Williams is survived by his widow, Mrs. Beatrice W. Williams; two daughters,
Mrs. Ella Allen, Norfolk, and Mrs. Nannie Taylor, Los Angeles CA; one
grandchild, Barbara Taylor; two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Nicholson, and Mrs. Violetta
Myrick, Norfolk, and other relatives.

In brief remarks, tribute was made to the life and character of the deceased by
W. W. Foreman, secretary of the Virginia State Association, IBPOE of W. and J.
C. Sumler of Berkley, representing Fidells Council No. 18, IBPOE of W.

The obituary was read by Mrs. Josephine Scott. The Rev. J. R. Johnson of St.
John’s AME Church and Rev. Mr. Little assisted in the services.

Interment was in Calvary Cemetery with Riddick Funeral Home in charge.

(Name on death certificate: John Britton Williams, born 8/18/1884


Additional Comments:
Calvary Cemetery

WILLIAMS, JOHN B I23131 Section 11, Block 11, Lot 154, Space SE 0 05/01/1952

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