The Honorable DeWitt Williams, 96, slipped the slurry bonds of earth and reached out to touch the face of God on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at his home. A native of St. Stephen, South Carolina, he was born the eldest son of the late Reverend Willie D. and Gertrude Croker Williams on October 12, 1919. Those close to him affectionately called him "Sonny".

Being a preacher's son, he affiliated himself with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church at an early age and was a lifelong member of Allen AME Church in St. Stephen. During his tenure at Allen AME Church, he served as Steward Board Chairman, Trustee Chairman, Class Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, Kingstree District Sunday School Superintendent, Layman and Sunday School Teacher.

He was a member of the Iota Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Jefferson-Grant Lodge No. 315, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons.

The Educator

DeWitt Williams graduated from St. Stephen Colored High School in 1941. He was a 1950 graduate of Allen University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and a 1960 graduate of South Carolina State University where he received a Master of Arts degree. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of Charleston.

Dr. Williams worked in the field of education for over 30 years. He was a classroom teacher and principal at Bonneau Elementary School and retired as Principal of St. Stephen Elementary School. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees at Allen University and the College of Charleston. He was dedicated to his mission to educate and mentor young people.

He was a World War II Army veteran and served his country during some of its darkest hours.

The Politician

Senator Williams was a distinguished statesman in South Carolina and proud member of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. He started his public service as the first African American member of the St. Stephen Town Council where he served from 1970 to 1979. Senator Williams was the first African American on the South Carolina Highway Commission representing the 9th District where he served from 1972 to 1982. He went on to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore of the Town of St. Stephen from 1974 to 1979.

He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives as a member of the Democratic Party representing House District 102 from 1983 to 1996. In 1983, a bridge not far from his childhood home was named the "DeWitt Williams Bridge" in his honor. He was elected to the South Carolina Senate as a member of the Democratic Party representing Senate District 37 from 1996 to 1997. In 1997, the South Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill dedicating a portion of South Carolina Highway 45 West as "DeWitt Williams Boulevard" as a lasting tribute to him. Senator Williams received The Order of the Palmetto from Governor James Hodges in 2000. The South Carolina House of Representatives declared Sunday, June 26, 2011, as "DeWitt Williams Day" in South Carolina to recognize and commend him for his lifetime of dedication as a public servant. In the St. Stephen community and the state of South Carolina, he left an indelible mark for those who loved and cherished his wisdom, knowledge and service.

The Husband, Father, Grandfather and Family Patriarch

DeWitt Williams was the husband of Mrs. Dollie Bradley Williams, formerly of Bishopville, SC, who came to live next door when she accepted a teaching position in St. Stephen. To this union, two children were born: DeVetta Dolett and Winston DeWitt, who have a special bond and have always been dedicated to their parents. His children, siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins relied upon his strength, resources and endurance. However, most precious to him were his five grandchildren with whom he was enthralled and enjoyed immensely.

He leaves to cherish many grateful and loving memories: his wife of 54 years, Mrs. Dollie Bradley Williams of the home; daughter, Mrs. DeVetta Dolett (Randall) Williams Hughes of Summerville, SC; son, Mr. Winston DeWitt (Melissa) Williams of St. Stephen, SC; five grandchildren: Lindsay Marie Williams and Winston DeWitt Williams, II of St. Stephen, SC, Mitchell Henry Hughes, Brian Leonard Hughes and Andrew Lewis Hughes all of Summerville, SC; one brother, Mr. George Williams of Columbia, SC; four sisters: Mrs. Veronica Davis of Waterbury, CT, Mrs. Edna Boothe of Freeport, NY, Mrs. Madelyn Hendricks of Plano, TX and Ms. Shirley Starks of Sarasota, FL; two sisters-in-law, Ms. Perto Coleman of Rahway, NJ and Mrs. Barbara Bradley of Bishopville, SC; godchild, Reverend Sterling DeWitt McClennon; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, legislators and friends throughout the United States who mourn his loss.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Nettie Williams; and siblings: Earl, Wendell, Marvin, Margaret, Mildred, Genievieve, Altrea and Barbara.

Special thanks to Mr. Walter Hill, friend and fraternity brother; Mr. Willie Gourdine, his driver; and Ms. Ernestine McKnight.

We grieve much but understand the will of our Lord. He is gone from our sight but never from our hearts.