Heyward Williams, Jr.

Heyward Williams Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on March 20, 1939, in Spring Hill, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Heyward Williams Sr. and Irene Williams. Heyward, who made his home in Columbia, South Carolina for the past 3 years, will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Heyward grew up in Camden, South Carolina, where he received his early education and worked as a school bus driver. After graduating, he relocated to New York in 1960 and later moved to Lansing, Michigan. He had a fulfilling career, working as a supervisor for General Motors and as a school bus driver for Lansing public schools. In 1978, he met and married his beloved wife, Marlene.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene; his parents; his stepmother, Alvilda Williams; his sister, Mary Alice Skinner; and his brothers, Johnny, Michael, and Charles Williams.

Heyward's memory will be cherished by his three daughters: Cynthia Carter (Emmanuel) of Rahway, New Jersey; Melissa Williams of Jackson, Michigan; and Pamela Johnson (Dante) of Conyers, Georgia. He is also survived by his sisters: Betty McFarlane, Barbara Stratford, Marian Skinner (Elijah), Mary Carter, Diana Williams and Sandra Dawson; and his brothers: Samuel Williams (Williemae), Hazel Williams (Marie), James Williams, John Williams, and Calvin Williams (Lenni). His sister-in-law, Jessie L. Murray also survives him.

His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Raisah Thomas (Brandon), D'ante Ransburg (Brittany), Miqueala Williams, Mikel Williams (Robbie), Moshe Williams, and Malcom Williams (Arleen); his great-grandchildren: Tatiana Thomas, Brandi Thomas, Elijah Thomas, Karter Ransburg, Kross Ransburg, Hazyle Barnes, Theordore Williams, and Briella Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, his goddaughters and other family members, and friends.

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