In Loving Memory LEAFORD C. WILLIAMS Sunrise Sunset October 03, 1924 - June 04, 2017 CELEBRATION OF LIFE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 VIEWING: 10am SERVICE: 11am MICHIGAN PARK CHRISTIAN CHURCH 1600 Taylor Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 Senior Pastor, Reverend Marvin J. Owens, Jr., Officiant
Leaford C. Williams A CELEBRATION OF LIFE The Reverend Marvin J. Owens, Jr., Officiant Organ Prelude.. Hymn of Faith.. Scriptural Meditations Old Testament Psalm 23 New Testament 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58.. Church Resolution. Prayer of Comfort. Song of Worship... Min. Victor Simonson Great Is Thy Faithfulness Thomas Chisholm/William Runyan Rev. C.B. Chadwick Rev. Leroy O. Dyett Jr. Elder Corrine Sampson Pastor Eric Barksdale In the Beauty of Holiness Nettie Sawyer Lester NEWorks Inspirational Voices Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr., director Special Tributes. Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter Mr. Kevin Martin Mrs. Jane Carpenter-Rock Charles Wesley, MPCC Disciples Men Family Reflection Song of Hope.... Obituary (Read Silently) Song of Comfort.. Mr. Kharl Williams (son) Total Praise Richard Smallwood How Great Thou Art Carl Boberg, tr. Stuart K. Hine Swedish Folk Melody Adapted by Nolan Williams, Jr. Eulogy.. Rev. Marvin J. Owens, Jr. Benediction Organ Postlude. Min. Victor Simonson
OBITUARY Leaford C. Williams was born on October 3, 1924, to Nehemiah and Alice Williams in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica West Indies. He overcame great challenges to complete his formal education. Later, he met and married the love of his life, Bertha Mae Bussey. From this union, they had three children, Valerie, Brenda, and Kharl. Mr. Williams joined the Air Force, serving as an interpreter during the Korean War and earned a Bronze Star. Following his military service, he earned Bachelor and Master s degrees in International Relations at Georgetown University and American University. Leaford subsequently became a Foreign Service Officer where he was a specialist in Far East and South Asian affairs. Following his tenure in Foreign Service, Leaford worked for the Washington Urban League and eventually earned an appointment as Special Representative to the Secretary of Transportation. Leaford later served the FAA as Director of Minority Business Programs at airports. He was an essential contributor to the Airport and Airways Development act of 1976, which mandated 10% of all businesses at Federally Funded Airports be extended to minority entrepreneurs. Colleagues at the FAA jokingly referred to the act as the Leaford Williams Bill. The combination of Leaford s federal service culminated in his appointment as Deputy Director for the White House Conference on minority business under President Jimmy Carter. He later retired on February 11, 1980, and become a government consultant. Mr. Williams voluntarily trained young Americans for US Foreign Service and hosted summer diplomatic receptions. He wrote three books, two well-known are Journey to Diplomacy and Boys Without Dads. In addition to his mentoring efforts, Leaford was active in his community of Michigan Park; hosting block parties, participating in Caribbean celebrations, and running for local office. A pillar of his beloved congregation, Michigan Park Christian Church, he supported the church for over 50 years, particularly the Disciple s Men Ministry where he remained active until his illness in 2015. Leaford leaves to mourn, his loving wife of 67 years, Bertha, his children, Valerie, Brenda (William Minor) and Kharl (Teresa), Brother-in-law, Reverend C. B. Chadwick, Sister-in-law, Mrs. Ann Morton, his grandchildren, Angela Renee (Vincent Walker), Lisa, Anthony (Kenese), and Christopher. Adopted grandchildren, Brittany and Bria Walker, The Govan Family, Ariana and Kevin Martin, great grandchildren, Diego, Anthony, Antoine, Kirk, Chase, Kaden and Kasen. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Pall Bearers & Flower Bearers Family & Friends Acknowledgements He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2 Interment with Military Honors Quantico National Cemetery Triangle, VA Arrangements Entrusted To: Robinson Funeral Home 1313 Sixth Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 www.robinsonfuneralhomedc.com (202) 387-5984