Rev. Jefferson E. "Jerry" Williams

Rev. Jerry Williams Lena, MS Jerry Williams passed away 27th of April at his home in Lena, Ms. His wife of 53 years was at his side. Jerry was born July 25, 1941 in Macon, MS, the only son of Jefferson Scholar Williams and Sybyl Edington Williams. Following graduation from Lexington High School, he went to Holmes Community College and Delta State University receiving a BS in Accounting and Economics. Returning to Lexington, he operated a television and appliance store. He and Frances were married in 1964 and moved to Jackson in 1966. In 1966 Jerry began his career in state government, starting as field auditor for the Dept. of Public Welfare, where he served as Audit Director. In 1972 he was appointed Director of Finance for the Dept. of Public Welfare. He also obtained a MBA from MS College in 1973. Joining the Commission of Budget and Accounting, he served as budget analyst before moving to Park Commission as Chief Financial Officer. he served as Director of State Parks from 1976 to 1978. Returning to the Budget Commission, he served as Revenue analyst and prison auditor. In 1981, he accepted an appointment as Assistant Director for Administrative Services at the Research and Development Center. Also he passed the CPA exam in 1981. In 1987, he was appointed by Gov. Bill Allain to be Director for the Super Conductor/Collider Project. After earning his PhD from the University of MS in 1988, he joined Delta State University as Chair of the Department of Accounting. He helped establish the Master's in Accounting degree program. As Director of Graduate Studies, School of Business, Jerry helped launch the Executive MBA. Following his retirement in 1998, Jerry devoted more time to his part-time ministry for the United Methodist Church. He had served as a local pastor beginning in 1984 with the appointment to Conway United Methodist Church. Jerry received the 1988 Denman Evangelism Award from the MS United Methodist Conference. Frances and Jerry served Sharron Lone Pine Charge before going to the Lena Charge where he retired from active ministry in 2013. In 2003 Jerry served as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi Free and Accepted Mason. He served as Master of Cleveland Lodge, Cleveland; Museum Watt Carter Lodge, Jackson; and Lena Lodge, Lena. His most enjoyable masonic service was as District Deputy Grand Lecture for the 19th District. He received his 50 year pin in 2013. He served on the Scholarship Committee for twenty years and was chairman of the Finance Committee for three terms. He was the current Master of Museum Watt Carter Lodge. Jerry served the Methodist Conference and the East Jackson District on many committees. He served as chair of the Conference on Archives and History and Treasure of the United Methodist SEJ Historical Society (2015). Following his retirement from active church ministry, Jerry was elected Mayor of the Town of Lena. As we think of Jerry as a husband, papa, brother, and friend, we remember him for his work ethic. He loved working with clocks and their repair. His happiest time was the renovation and rebuilding of their home in Lena. The yard and house have his design, sweat, and tears. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and son, David Tipton. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Frances Hinson Williams; daughters, Sybyl Stringer (Joe) of Madison, MS and Elizabeth Kean (Steve) of Brandon, MS; grandchildren, Bess Reilly, Wyatt Stringer and Lillie Stringer. Visitation will be from 5 pm to 8 pm Sunday, April 30, and from 10 am to 10:45 am Monday, May 1 at Lena United Methodist Church, Lena, MS. Services will be held Monday, May 1 at 11 am at Lena United Methodist Church, Lena, MS.

Rev. Jefferson E. "Jerry" Williams

July 25, 1941 - April 27, 2017

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Rev. Jefferson E. "Jerry" Williams

July 25, 1941 - April 27, 2017

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Contact Us

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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365 Days of Grief Support