Dr. John C. Williams

Dr. John Cornelius Williams 91, of Elyria, went home to be with the Lord who he dearly loved, on Friday March 28, 2025, after faithfully serving Him for over 60 years. Dr. Williams passed away peacefully at Wesleyan Village in Elyria. He was attended during his final hours by his wife and ministry partner of 71 years, Willie Mae (nee Mikell). They have seven adult children; son, Michael (Andrea) Williams of Orting, Washington, son, Rickey (Donna) Williams of Shaker Heights, Ohio, son, Timothy Williams of Colorado, son, Anthony (Maria) Williams of Casa Grande, Arizona, son, Carlos Williams of Walla Walla, Washington, son, Paul (Jolese) Williams of Lithia Springs, GA and daughter, Michelle Holzaphel of Waterloo, Wisconsin. He will also be missed by his 10 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, his sisters, Katie (Bobby) Hayes and Lela (Alfred) Herron, and many friends and family.

John was born on June 23, 1933 in Silver Creek, Mississippi to Pastor O.L. and Mary E. Williams (nee Gholar), and graduated from Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute High School in Prentiss, Mississippi. He went on to earn a Diploma from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, an Associate degree from Compton Community College, a Bachelors from LABC, now The Masters College in Newhall, California, a Masters from Calvary Bible College, in Kansas City, Missouri and a Th.D. of Theology from CTS in Covington, KY.

John, and a fellow Moody Bible Institute graduate, started and served in two churches while in Chicago. John then started nine churches while with the home mission boards of FBHM, BMNA and BCP. He was Vice President of CBBC in Kansas City, Missouri and taught at several Bible Colleges from 2004 until 2014. He also made several trips to East and West Africa to teach and preach God’s Word. He always enjoyed preaching, teaching and reading The Word with family and friends at home and abroad. John and Willie Mae moved to Elyria in 1994 when he became a field director for Baptist Church Planters.  They also started International Community Baptist Church in Lorain.  He was currently a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Elyria.

 John loved working with his hands. When traveling, he would often have his tools in his vehicle and would help his friends and family with home projects. He also enjoyed sports, especially football and basketball, and he was an avid Cleveland Cavaliers fan.

Dr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, a great granddaughter, two brothers, Olen C and O.L. Jr., and two sisters, Hattie Lee and Hazel Lee.

The family will receive friends on Monday April 7, 2025 from 4pm until the time of the funeral service at 6pm at First Baptist Church, 11400 Lagrange Road, Elyria.  Pastor David Burman will officiate.  Burial will be at Spring Hill Church Cemetery in Silver Creek, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Willie Mae Williams for her ongoing care. 

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