Min. Jeffery "Jeff" Williams, 63, of Tyler, TX, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. He was born on August 26, 1958, as Jeffery Lynn Williams, a baby boy weighing 8 pounds 3 ounces, to the union of the late George Williams and Josephine Kirkwood Williams. He was born in Helena Hospital, Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, on his mother's birthday. He had five siblings: Lula Dixon, the late John Coffey, Carolyn Coffey, Rosalyn Williams, and a sister, Vivian Oden, from another marriage of his father.
Jeffery was better known as "Jeff" to the community and "Jerry" to the family. He was baptized under the leadership of Rev. Moses Debro, Long Lake when he was 9 years old. He was a Minister of the Gospel and a man that was a true Christian who loved the Lord dearly. "He was a true Man of God living the Christian journey." He was an active member at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. His Sunday School training of lesson reviews, attending Congress and Associations, and being a Junior Superintendent aided in his leadership into the ministry around 1985. He was active in the Church of God in Christ, attending conventions, associations, and services. When he moved to Tyler, once he was married, he was officially ordained and licensed as a Minister at his new wife's church, Higher Heights, Tyler, by Pastor James Hawkins, and they moved on to serve at various churches within the community. They settled at The Refuge Church, Pastor Johnny Williams, Tyler.
Jeff excelled in school, consistently being on the honor rolls and having perfect attendance. His mother encouraged good grades by her being actively involved in the schools with PTA and other events. She insisted on homework being done, and an expectation that her children would be honor roll students. For a season, she was a single parent, being serious, but loving, steering Jeff and his siblings from distasteful outcomes. In high school, Jeff was active in numerous organizations. He was a member of the National Honor Society, recognized in the Who's Who Students and placed in the Senior Class Hall of Fame. His Civic Duties began as a Student Council Member, Arkansas Student Congress Member, a Student Fire Marshal, and as a hall monitor. His academic endeavors included involvement in the Arkansas State University's Math and Science High School Contest as well as being recognized at the Kiwanis Club Banquet in Helena-West Helena. Jeff was also involved with the French Club and the Speech Festival. He still found time to work as a student custodian at Eliza Miller Junior High School while a high school student. Additional employment was participation in a summer program nicknamed "CETA." In 1976 Jeff graduated as 6th in a class of over 300 students from Central High School in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. He was awarded a four-year scholarship from Stauffer Chemical Company as a result of his becoming a National Merit Semi-Finalist.
While attending college, Jeff worked with Wonder Snacks. He was praised by his supervisors as one who understood the Christian Work Ethic of excellence. Jeff graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Christian Brothers University (originally Christian Brothers College) in Memphis, Tennessee, May 1980 as a Chemical Engineer. He continued to reside in Memphis, working for MAPCO and Buckman. He later moved to Kingwood, Texas, Marshall, Minnesota, and lastly, to Tyler, Texas where he continued working as an engineer, along with being very active in political and community affairs.
He was previously married, and to that union was born two sons, Jefferey Jr. and Jeremy. He later married and wed his wife, Mrs. Dorinda Henderson-Williams, on April 25, 2015, in Tyler, TX. Jeff truly loved and cherished his wife, Dorinda, and knew she was his Soul Mate and The Queen in his life.

His leadership skills in the community made a great impact. He was a bridge builder for the region. Although he was a member of many organizations, i.e., Tyler Talking Together, Art of Peace – Tyler, NAACP, his most achieved endeavor was his role as President of Tyler Race Relations, which he led into many collaborations with other organizations. He had an excellent relationship with City officials and the police department.
Left to cherish and continue his legacy is his wife, Mrs. Dorinda Henderson-Williams; two sons: Jeffery Williams. Jr. and Jeremy Williams; his siblings: Lula Dixon, the late John Coffey, Carolyn Coffey, Rosalyn Barksdale (Ranglon), Vivian Oden; and, Sister-in-Law, Hyacinth Holt, who was well loved by Jeff; two grandsons: Jaxson and Jayfus; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Repass donations of food and drinks will be received at the church, on Thursday, 6:00pm to 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers