John Archerd Williams

Dr. John Archerd Williams M.D., 71, born on March 3, 1948, in Goldsboro, NC, United States, entered his Heavenly Rest on February 24, 2020. He was a resident of La Palma, CA since June 1981.

When he was 13, the health challenges and passing of his own father inspired him to pursue a career in medicine so he could provide quality care to others. John graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1970 with a B.S. in Biology. From there, he pursued a medical degree. During this time, he met Lillie Mae Lewis in March 1973. A courtship was begun and they were married later that year on December 22. John graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1974 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Following his internship at L.A. County USC Medical Center and residency/fellowship training years at Martin Luther King/Charles R. Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Williams opened a private practice where he could personalize patient care. In addition to his practice, he was on staff at several Los Angeles area hospitals such as Memorial Hospital of Gardena, St. Francis Medical Center, and Centinela Hospital Medical Center. He served as Vice Chief of Staff for L.A. Metropolitan Medical Center between 2009-2010. He helped educate new physicians as a faculty member and E.R. physician at Martin Luther King/Charles Drew Medical Center.

His thriving professional life was supported and energized by a growing family and dedicated church service. First on the scene was his namesake, John II, followed by Joy, Jeanie, and Jason. He took pride in making time for his family and was in attendance at as many dance recitals, track meets, and PTA meetings as possible. While always striving to work hard and grow professionally, he instilled lasting values in his children about the benefits of hard work and commitment. He was a tireless champion and encourager of his children and firmly believed in the pursuits of their individual dreams and goals.

John committed himself to dedicated church service as a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Over the years, he served as the Dean of Christian Education; helped organize the male chorus as president; and taught Evangelism 102 as well as other Christian development courses. His courses were well-known to be both challenging and faith-building.

Both of his parents, John Henry Williams and Lillie Pearl McKoy, preceded him in death as well as brothers Jesse, Charles, and Henry. John is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dr. Lillie Mae Williams; children John Williams II (Dana), Joy Williams, Jeanie Davis (Jeff), and Jason Williams; grandchildren John Williams III, Moselle Williams, Javan Williams, Leilani Williams, Aaliyah Jones, Jasmine Davis, and Joshua Davis; one brother Lee Conrad Williams (Loretta) of Chatham, VA; sister-in-law Beulah Kelly of Goldsboro, NC; niece Rolanda Williams Tucker of Fredricksburg, VA; two nephews Averil Williams of Goldsboro, NC and Winfred Kelly of Georgia; plus a host of other cousins and friends.

Internment was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary.