Obituary of John Sylvester Williams

John Sylvester Williams was the first of ten children born to the Late Gertrude Frances and James Addison Williams, in Flushing, New York, on September 24th, 1922 . He was educated in the New York City educational system attending, P.S. 21, P.S. 20, and Flushing High School where he was a member of the track team and played football. As a youth John attended Macedonia African Methodist Episcopal Church, participating in the Sunday School and the Youth Choir. He served as editor of the church newspaper, "The Echo" and was assistant Boy Scout leader of Macedonia's, Troop 192. As a member of the choir his main interest in the choir was not the songs led by the leading soloist, but rather the soloist herself, a charming young lady named Jenny Marie Wilson, who was later to become his partner in life.

Leaving high school, with his father's blessings and a promise, "to make something of himself", John enlisted in the U.S. Army and on his 20th birthday left from Penn Station for Camp Upton, New York. John's introduction to the military came early in life, when his Uncle, Captain David Gaines who served with the 369th Infantry Regt. took John with him on occasions when he visited military sites. Leaving home for the first time, John was faced with a new challenge, a segregated Army. He quickly became aware that it was not "liberty and justice for all." On April 21 , 1946 John married his childhood sweetheart, J. Marie Wilson in Ridgeland Jasper City, South Carolina. For the next 26 years Marie shared John's military life as the two traveled together on numerous overseas and stateside assignments

In World War II, John was decorated with the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He fought in the historic, "Battle of the Bulge". On Christmas Day of 1945 he was wounded and was the only surviving member of his unit that had been subjected to enemy artillery fire. It was Gen. George Patton who gave him the opportunity to join a combat unit. His army career spanned the years to include two additional wars, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. During his years of service, John was highly decorated, but his most cherished award, the one of which he was most proud, was his Combat Infantryman Badge.

During the Korean Conflict John was gravely injured and left for dead on the battlefield. His heroic story was published in the Stag magazine under the title "Pick Up My Body". John was picked up by an American tank unit, ironically, the soldier that picked him up, at the command of the tank commander, turned out to be his high school buddy and football teammate. John was hospitalized in Japan. Marie, who had accompanied John, and was "stationed" in Japan was at his bedside to aid in his recovery.

John S. Williams, retired from the Army on December 31st, 1974 with the rank of Command Sergeant Major and took up residence in Pleasantville, NJ. John enrolled in Stockton State College in New Jersey. He attended college part time, while working in the Security Department at Bally's Casino. He graduated on May 22nd, 1983 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Studies. Putting his education to use, he established, "Life Tek Industries" and spent many of his retirement years pursuing his goal.

After 47 years of marriage his beloved wife, Marie was called to glory on April 1, 1993. John now faced a new battle, a new and lonely challenge, life without Marie, for the first time since the days of his childhood.

John joined the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pleasantville, New Jersey, and for a time served as a Steward under the administration of Reverend Cody. In later years he shared a beautiful friendship with a special friend, Gloria Blakely who socialized in the military circle. Gloria and her family included John in their social gatherings. During his illness Gloria proved to be a committed friend, confirming the strength of their relationship. During his illness Gloria was a faithful, encouraging and devoted friend who was with John until the very end, for which, the family is eternally grateful.

The sun set on the life of our much loved brother, of whom we are extremely proud, on Monday, October 8, 2012 after fighting valiantly a battle that was not his to win.

John leaves to cherish loving memories, his close friend: Gloria, his brother Jay (Catherine) of Flushing, Sisters: Jacqueline (Arthur) Sellers of South Carolina, Constance Ashton of Virginia, Carole (Charles) Morris of Rosedale, Donna (Keith) Hall of East Elmhurst, and Gloria (Laurence) Powell, of Great Neck. Two God Children: Duane (Lisa) Epps, Las Vegas, and Jodi Maria Morris of Rosedale, several nieces and nephews and many devoted friends.

"the road was long, with many a winding turn .... but the load did not weigh us down at all,

he was not heavy, he was our brother."