Theophilas McWilliams

Theophilas McWilliams was the fourth child of the late Joe and Nannie (nee Solomon) McWilliams, born August 2, 1919 in Littleton, North Carolina. His brother, David, who died at the age of 5, called Theophilas "Tip" and so has everyone else since. Theophilas was baptized at an early age at the Weyman AME Chapel in Littleton, North Carolina. Even though he attended Zion from time to time he became a member in January, 1997. Tip received his formal education in the Halifax County School System. At an early age he took interest in barbering, same as his father and older brother, Louis. After his tour of military duty, he returned to North Carolina and married Dorothy Goins. Months later they moved to the big "B". He was hired by Mr. Allen and had his apprenticeship under Edward Smith at the shop once located on Caroline Street and later to Monument Street. Also he went to school to learn the bricklaying trade and here he met some of his life long friends (Willie and Porter), apparently that was not for him. Tip and Dorothy saved until they were able to purchase the business later known as McWilliams Barber Shop located at 1601 East Lanvale Street. Under Tip's Master Barber status, he had several apprentices (James Gee, Allen Baugh, Ray Stancil, McArthur Daniels, James Whitley, and just prior to his stroke in October, 1996, his grandson, Ernest). The shop was known for being able to get a haircut, meal and drink. The children were given lollipops. He was barber to many people from all walks of life; pastors, politicians, steelworkers, white collar, blue collar, morticians including William Spicer and William C. March. In spite of his quick temper, he was helpful and generous to people in the family and the community. Dorothy preceded him in death on August 22, 2004. Theophilas died December 15, 2004 at the Mercy Hospital Hospice Center after years of dialysis and stroke related impairments. He and Dorothy are together again, but most of all they are both in the presence of Jesus with a complete spiritual body. Tip and Dorothy were great providers and parents because we children were protected from many of the evils in this world and did not know that by the world's standards we were poor. We were taught family values, and family will have disagreements but we are still family and to love each other. When we lived at 233 Silver Court and even more when we lived at 1601, the weekends at Tip and Dorothy's house was the meeting place. Young and old, married and single, relatives and friends would come. Mom fed upstairs and then to the basement. Music jumping and dancing to the point where the red and white tile residue would be all over shoes and pant legs. Our family loved dancing. To cherish his memory are: daughter, Lillian A. Demby; son, Everett Theophilas McWilliams; four grandchildren, Qiana Greene of New Jersey, Ernest E. Demby, Jr., Crystal M. Demby and Keith Bailey; one great-granddaughter, Shatara; adopted son, William C. Bailey; son-in-law, Ernest E. Demby, Sr.; daughters-in-law, Emma Bailey and Brenda McWilliams; two sisters, Viola Williams and Ernestine Bowser of Halifax County, North Carolina; one brother, Willie McWilliams of Richmond, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Manority McWilliams of Richmond, Virginia; Louise Goings of Baltimore, Maryland and Calvester Silver of Temple Hills, Maryland and Georgia Goins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was a summertime father to Carolyn Solomon, Carol Williams, Jacqueline Parker, Frances Keene, Evelyn Thomas, Ronald Cates, Floyd and James Gee (but not all in the same summer).

Tributes

Theophilas McWilliams

December 22, 1919 - December 15, 2004