Mr. Jerry P. Williams

PICKERINGTON, OH/MARCY, NY – Mr. Jerry P. Williams, age 94, formerly of Marcy, NY, passed away on January 15, 2025 at Storypoint Pickerington in Pickerington, Ohio. He was widely respected for his work ethic, intelligence, thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity. Born in Utica on November 25, 1930, Jerry was the son of Jerry and Ada Williams. A graduate of Utica Free Academy, he served in the United States Army for four years, including combat service as an infantry sergeant during the Korean War, where he earned a Purple Heart. After his discharge from the Army, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Utica College. He married the former Daisy Carvain on December 22, 1956, a union which lasted until her passing in December 1995. Jerry opened a grocery store, Williams Market, at 217 Whitesboro Street in Utica in 1959, and ran the store until it closed in 1971. He then began a 30-plus year career with the New York State Department of Labor as a Veterans Intake Clerk. In 1961, Jerry was appointed to the Utica Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and served two terms from May 1961 to December 1963 and again from January 1967 to December 1969. At the time of Jerry’s first appointment to the ZBA then-Mayor Frank Dulan said he believed Jerry was the first African American ever appointed to a municipal post in Utica. A longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church, Jerry served the church in various ways, including as a junior warden, a member of the vestry, leading the ushers, a member of several pledge campaigns, the search committee for the late rector, the Very Rev. James Jensen, a delegate for the diocese, and as volunteer in the thrift store. In addition to his beloved wife, Daisy, Jerry was preceded in death by their son, Phillip Michael Williams Sr. Jerry is survived by his children and their spouses, Winston and Sabrina Williams of Raleigh, N.C., Marcia and Sammie Bonner of San Antonio, Texas, and Audrey Williams of Pickerington, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Florence Williams of Utica; his grandchildren, Tiffany Williams, Jasmine Williams, Phillip Michael Williams Jr., Craig Andrew Williams, Brandon Bonner, and Brook Bonner; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, brothers, Melvin Williams and Richard (Dickey) Williams, both of Utica; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family offers tremendous and heartfelt thanks to the Ohioans and the staff at Storypoint Pickerington for the care and love they gave to Jerry. Their support for him and the family was indispensable and most welcome during his final days. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84019615750. Jerry’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 6 Elizabeth St. Military Honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor may be made to Grace Episcopal Church online at https://onrealm.org/GraceEpiscopalC58708/-/form/give/default, or by mail to Grace Episcopal Church, 6 Elizabeth St., Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home, and the service. Interment will take place in Carr Cemetery in the spring at the convenience of the family. This tribute to Jerry’s life was lovingly written by his family.

Mr. Jerry P. Williams

November 25, 1930 - January 15, 2025