Elwood Williams' Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elwood Williams, on January 20, 2025. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Skylawn Funeral Home Memorial Park, Hwy 92 at Skyline Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402.
A Funeral Service Celebrating Elwood Williams’s precious life will be held on February 3rd, 2025, Monday, at Skylawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Hwy 92 at Route 35, San Mateo, CA 94402., where friends and family are invited to join to remember a life that, albeit temporary, was truly a gift to us all.
Reflections of His Life
Elwood Williams was born on June 6, 1935, to the parents of Alex L. Williams and Jennie Reeves Williams, in Lucedale, Mississippi. He was the eldest of ten children. He was married to the love of his life, the late
Carolyn Washington Williams, for over 60 years; and they were blessed with four children, Gregory, Gwendolyn, Sheila and Maurice.
At an early age Elwood accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was inducted as a Deacon, at New Providence Baptist Church in San Francisco, under the leadership of Reverend Michael Gilmore. Deacon Williams and his wife Carolyn were active members in the church for over 30 years until their illnesses prevented them from attending.
In 1955, and just before his 20th birthday Elwood boarded a train to San Francisco, California with his Uncle Cary Reeves’ wife, Aunt Annie Ruth and their two young daughters, Cynthia and Shirley. Upon arriving in San Francisco, Elwood knew he was good with his hands so, he enrolled in an Apprenticeship Program for Cement Masons. He finished the program with distinction. (insert article info) He went on to work in leadership roles at several large construction companies located throughout the Bay Area. However, for more job stability, he applied and was hired as a Master Cement Mason at the City & County of San Francisco, where he retired with over 20 years of service.
Additionally, Elwood was a wise man and was known for giving sage advice. He enjoyed managing and working on his rental properties, going fishing on his boat with his late brother-in-law “Boss” Ken Wheeler, and he especially loved being with his family and friends in Clearlake, CA.
On January 20, 2025, Elwood was called home to be with the lord. Now he’s resting in Paradise and leaves to mourn, his children Gregory Williams, Richmond, CA. Gwendolyn Williams, So. San Francisco, CA. Sheila D. Hilliard (Roy), Hayward, CA. Maurice Williams (Benita), San
Francisco, CA. and grandchildren Briana Williams, Tylin Williams and Ryan Hilliard.
Here also leaves to cherish his memories: two sisters, Ila M. Wheeler (Kenneth - Deceased) of South San Francisco, CA, Learline Sanders, (Thomas - Deceased) of Pittsburg, CA, two brothers, Jimmie L. Williams (Geraldine-Deceased) of Lucedale, MS, Wayne L. Williams (Lee) of Pinole, CA
Sister-in-laws, Helen Wilson, of Pensacola, FL, Park Alice Thomas, of Lansing, MI and Earline Washington, (Ralph-Deceased) of Jackson, MS,
Brother-in-law, Jerry Washington, of Hazlehurst, MS
The following siblings preceded him in death: Edward L. Williams, Clearlake, CA, Annette Bowie, San Francisco, CA, Willie D. Williams, San Francisco, CA, Freddie L. Williams, Clearlake, CA, Troy Williams, San Francisco, CA,
A host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and friends who will truly miss him.
What’s your fondest memory of Elwood?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elwood?
Share a story where Elwood's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elwood you’ll never forget.
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