Roscoe Williams

Roscoe Williams, the second of eight children of the late James and Isabelle Williams, was born on July 23, 1918. Following his mother’s death during his youth, his stepmother, the late Holland Williams, lovingly reared him.Roscoe was educated in the public school system in Lenoir County, North Carolina. As a young man he was a member of King’s Chapel Disciple Church, where he sang on the choir for several years. He was employed in various factory and construction industries. He was proud to have helped build Camp Lejeune Military Base.He left North Carolina to pursue better employment opportunities and eventually settled in Baltimore, Maryland in 1946, where he continued his work in the construction industry. Later, he worked for Yorkewood Apartments and retired in 1987.Roscoe married Christine E. Powell and from this union six children were born: Cheryl, Roscoe “Rick” Jr., Lisa, Kaye, Ronald and Tina. He delighted in spending time with his family. Sunday afternoons in Druid Hill Park were a highlight for him ant the young children. He took great pride in the educational accomplishments of his children; all have college degrees.Roscoe was blessed with five grandchildren: Jibril Hassoun of San Diego, California; Tara and Renee Williams, Miguel Valdes and Shayna Williams, all of Maryland. He instilled in them traditional values of honesty, hard work and respect for others. He often shared a poem he learned as a teen:Stealing, I’m above it’ and begging is too low;So you work boys, get such and pay as you go.He enjoyed attending various churches here in the city. In later years he looked forward to the Sunday television ministries, and was particularly inspired by the young Rev. Joel Osteen.Following a lengthy illness during which he showed much courage, strength and faith, he went home to meet his Heavenly Father on June 5, 2004.Roscoe is survived by his wife, six children, five grandchildren, a son-in-law, Luis Valdes; two daughters-in-law, Laverne and Lachelle; two brothers, Roger Williams, of Kinston, North Carolina and Oscar Jones of New Jersey; five sisters, Helen and Helene Williams of Brooklyn, New York, Thelma Spencer of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bricie Bryant of Jones County, North Carolina and Ossie Mae Noble of Kinston, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Corinth Horton and Carrie Powell of Kinston, North Carolina; and a host of other relatives and friends. His siblings, James Jr., Josephus, Rommie, Alan, Thomas Earl, Nannie Mae Taylor and Gladys Lawson preceded him in death.

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Roscoe Williams

July 23, 1918 - June 5, 2004