Bishop Moses Williams

Bishop Moses Williams, the son of the late Haywood and Roseanna Small Williams was born July 10, 1947 in Florence, South Carolina. On Saturday, February 27, 2021, he ascended into his eternal rest at his home.

Bishop Williams attended Florence County Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Wilson High School Class of 1966. After which, he gained Higher Education at Florence-Darlington Technical College as a Brick Mason.

Bishop Williams enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Military several years before receiving an Honorable Discharge and relocated to Florence, South Carolina. He was employed with CSX Railroad for a few years and then gained employment with Smurfit Stone as a mechanic for thirty-six years, until he retired.

At an early age, Bishop Williams began his journey seeking Christ and a permanent Church home. He joined New Covenant Holiness Church in Darlington, South Carolina, under the leadership of Bishop E. Jones. He later moved his membership to Bethel Apostolic Church in Florence, South Carolina, under the leadership of Bishop Ulysses I. McCall. Several years later he began a Community Street Ministry, until he became founder and Bishop of Christ Hand of Mercy United Churches of Jesus Christ Apostolic Church on Ives Street in Florence, South Carolina. Because of church growth, Bishop Williams and the congregation of Christ Hand of Mercy United Churches of Jesus Apostolic Church purchased a new construction on Brunson Street, where he continued to Preach and Teach the Gospel as he served God and ministered to the people he met along life’s journey, until his health declined. He also served as a member of the Wilsonian Clergy.

After his retirement, Bishop Williams dove deep into his passion sport of Golf and became an avid golfer. He enjoyed sharing the love of golf and teaching masterful technique to his wife, his granddaughter, Taiji, and his nephew, Sharrod – just to name a few people he touched on the course. His love for golfing and his golf buddies was priceless. He loved playing chess with his friends, near and far. He loved the outdoor life and enjoyed spending time with anyone who would be willing to learn that outdoor life.

Bishop Williams loved God, traveling, and spending quality time with his wife, children, grandchildren and people in general.

Bishop Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Haywood and Roseanna Small Williams; four brothers, Haywood Williams, Jr., Levern Williams, LeVan Williams, and Sandy Gary Williams; and a son-in-law, Hydric Goodman.

Bishop Williams leaves to cherish his precious memories: his wife, Mary L. Williams of the home; seven children, Donna (Julian) Smith, Detra (Wayne) Coleman, Kenyatta Williams, LaToya Goodman, Jacoby DuBose, Allisha DuBose, and Dusten (Sharlene) DuBose, Sr; eighteen grandchildren, to include Taylor (Etochia) Arthur who was raised as a son, Amber Arthur, Allayah Arthur, Miles Smith, Kenyatta D. Williams, II, Cory Charles, Phillip Coleman, Leontahi Hunter, Ladarius Goodman, Lawrence DuBose, Aiden DuBose, Dusten DuBose, Jr, Gavin DuBose, Jordan DuBose, Taija DuBose, Allaija Davis, Javaris Alford and Ella DuBose Muffley; five great grandchildren; a brother, Lloyd (Mary) Williams of Englewood, New Jersey; a sister, Janie R. Davis of Englewood, New Jersey; an aunt, Marie Small of Florence, South Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Sherral Williams of Englewood, New Jersey, Debra (Deacon Ronald) Jett, and Janice (William) House both of Darlington, South Carolina; two brothers-in-law, Derrick DuBose of Darlington, South Carolina and Stevie DuBose of Charlotte, North Carolina; three special friends whom he loved as his brothers, James (Pop) Merritts of New York, Johnny Holmes of Darlington, South Carolina, and Nathaniel “Fuzzy” Robinson of Florida; and a host of nephews, nieces to include Jeanisce Brockington, whom he dearly loved; cousins, other relatives, extended church family, and friends that loved him throughout his journey. Thank each of you for your support.

Bishop Moses Williams favorite quote was: “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

Bishop Williams wanted to be remembered as a field of flowers, anyone can go in and pick one.

Please keep the family of Bishop Moses Williams in your thoughts and prayers.

The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC carefully considered this recommendation and ask that additional guest please participate via live-streaming if it is authorized by the family.