Obituary of Lonzo Williams

Lonzo Williams was born on June 14, 1947, in Coaling, Alabama, to Rosa P. Smith and Sidney Williams. He passed away peacefully on July 13, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. During his last days, he was surrounded by his loved ones and fought his fight with courage. Lonzo was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Boone and Eddie, twin brother Osco, sister Lorene, and sister-in-law Beanie. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Shirley Williams, and children Lamont Solomon, Stephanie Davis, Rodney (Mary) Davis, and Johnette Mays Cotton; his grandchildren, Westley Ellison, Deandre Solomon (Vicky), Lashelle Thompson, Dominique Solomon, Jenna Whalen, Adonijah Davis, Leah Whalen, Eden Davis, and Micah Davis; great-grandsons, Deandre Solomon Jr. and Joshua Thompson; brother James; sister Naomi Steele (Marvin); sisters-in-law Angela Smith and Evelyn Williams; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Lonzo graduated from Boteler High School in Holt, Alabama, in 1965 and served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. As a member of the US Army, Lonzo was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Sharpshooter Medal. After returning from Vietnam, Lonzo began a thirty-three-year career at Kimball Glass. Lonzo was a true man of faith and found joy in the Lord. At a young age, he joined the Thomas Chapel Christian Methodist Church, serving faithfully. He continued to serve Our Lord as a member of other Congregations, including St. John African Episcopal Church, operating as a Trustee and an avid choir member. Lonzo later became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church, where he served on the Security Team for seven years. Finally, Lonzo was a charter member and patriarch at Transformation Church of Delaware, Inc., serving under Pastor Rodney Davis. Lonzo loved the Lord, his church, and his church family. The other of Lonzo's true joys was his beautiful and loving wife, Shirley. From the onset of their relationship, you never saw one without the other. Lonzo loved music and frequently played Luther Vandross's "Until You Come Back to Me" into Shirley's answering machine to hear when she arrived home from visiting him. They married on December 9, 2000, and the two had fun together and loved worshiping, attending live plays and performances as well as movies, traveling, and building their lives together. The love Lonzo exuded for Shirley was evident to all; she cared for him excellently and lovingly throughout his complex illness. Lonzo was a devoted husband, a wonderful and caring provider, a committed father, and a loving and generous grandfather. Lonzo loved to shop and dress stylishly, and he loved to use color in his wardrobe. He loved all colors! He was known for his coordinated suits, accessories, and shoe collection. At one significant event, people voted Shirley and Lonzo the best-dressed couple! Lonzo was a baseball player and an umpire in his younger days. He loved to watch sports of all kinds and avidly supported the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. He loved to wear his team gear and was seldom out without a baseball cap on his head! We lovingly recall that often, while hospitalized, Lonzo would ask, "What do I have to do to get home?" We rejoice in the knowledge that Lonzo is at home with the Lord now. His favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me." Lonzo's family saw him repeatedly defy the odds during his illness due to the sheer strength of his faith and his will to live. He truly believed that he could do anything with Jesus by his side! 2 Timothy 4:7 tells us, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." No verse more appropriately describes Lonzo Williams. "You've earned your crown. Now take your rest. Lovingly submitted by your family who adored you." Flowers are welcomed and appreciated. The family wishes that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations mailed to Transformation Church of Delaware, Inc. ℅ Elder Mary Davis, 121 Redstone Court, Felton, DE 19943, through CashApp: $transformDE or by texting TCMG to 54244.