Obituary for Delbert Williamson
The Funeral Services for Delbert Williamson will be live streamed Friday April 17, 2020, 1:00pm on The House of Day facebook page and houseofday.com
Life for Delbert Everett Williamson began, in conjunction with that of twin brother Dale Evans on Thursday, January 11, 1962. The two were welcomed additions, joining brother, Wilford and sister, Roslyn, to the budding family of Hollis and Helen Patricia (Rhodes) Williamson. Five years later, sister Melva would join the Williamson siblings as baby of the bunch.
As a child, Delbert was protector and confidant of his older (by 15 minutes) brother Dale. Because he was the youngest twin, big brother Dale often served as spokesman for the two. Throughout their lifetimes, the twins would share comparable experiences, even during times when they were physically distanced one from the other.
Both boys inherited their exemplary work ethic from their father, Hollis. They learned from and were guided by him as they worked with him in his trucking business. The two brothers also shared a paper route delivering the now defunct Toledo Times Newspaper.
Delbert received his early education by way of matriculations at Nathan Hale and Mt. Vernon Elementary schools. He also attended McTigue Jr. High and was a proud, Class of 1979 graduate, of Macomber-Whitney High School.
Upon completing high school, Delbert enlisted in the United States Army where he served as Combat Medic.
In 1988, after his stint in the military, he returned to Toledo. The next year, he married Cynthia Eileen Harris. Three sons gifted this union: Andrew, Josiah and Jairus.
To support his young family, Delbert was employed as big rig operator. He later secured employment with the City of Toledo. During his employ there, he served as Superintendent of the Hoffman Avenue Landfill and as a Supervisor of the Sewer Department. He retired in 2014, after twenty years of service.
Delbert’s faith informed his life in its entirety. It began early at the Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church where he worshipped and was baptized under the supervision and watchful eye of of Rev. Alexander.
His Christian walk and commitment to family continued as he grew and matured. Eventually, he affiliated with the Faith Way Church under the pastorate of his father-in-law, Elder Wilbur C. Harris. During his 32-year tenure at Faith Way, he served as minister, elder and assistant pastor. He and wife Cynthia also nurtured their surviving sons, Josiah and Jarius, in the development of their musical talents and by encouraged ongoing volunteerism at the church.
Finally, on November 29, 2015, Elder Delbert Williamson was installed as Senior Pastor of Now Faith Worship Center, located on the Faith Way Church Campus.
During his tenure, he led the congregation through the passing of their beloved founding pastor, Elder Wilbur C. Harris. He was at the church helm in August 2019, when the congregation lost its Nebraska Avenue sanctuary due to a devastating church fire.
In keeping with his strong work ethic, it was common to see Elder Williamson and his sons tending to the grounds at Now Faith. Never fearful of getting his hands dirty, he routinely landscaped and cleared snow. Whatever was needed, Elder Williamson was willing to undertake the task. Despite life’s challenges, Elder Williamson remained steadfast in his faith and was an anchor for many in his beloved congregation.
A motorcycle aficionado, he was a founding member and vice president of the Christian Faith Riders. His participation with the group allowed him to combine his love of motorcycle riding with ministering to others about the love of Christ.
Without question, Elder Delbert Everett Williamson touched the lives of many through his life’s work as a veteran, City of Toledo employee, and pastor. Of his many gifts, his unpretentious demeanor; his love of God, of the church and of family and his unwavering faith are the most stellar.
He transitioned from labor to reward on April 8, 2020 and leaves a legacy of unselfish love for family, congregants and friends.
Pastor Williamson is predeceased by wife, Cynthia Harris Williamson; infant son, Andrew; father, Hollis Williamson; sister, Rosalyn Sims; brothers, Wilford and twin brother Dale and his grandparents.
He leaves to cherish his memory sons, Josiah and Jairus; mother, Helen Williamson, sister, Melva (Genus) Gilmore; brother-in-law, Harold Sims; sisters-in-law, Michella Williamson, Linette (Louis) Guilford; special friend, Benita Saaka and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, the congregation of Faith Way/Now Faith Worship Center and the Christian Faith Riders.
Arrangements entrusted to the House of Day Funeral Service are pending.
Life for Delbert Everett Williamson began, in conjunction with that of twin brother Dale Evans on Thursday, January 11, 1962. The two were welcomed additions, joining brother, Wilford and sister, Roslyn, to the budding family of Hollis and Helen Patricia (Rhodes) Williamson. Five years later, sister Melva would join the Williamson siblings as baby of the bunch.
As a child, Delbert was protector and confidant of his older (by 15 minutes) brother Dale. Because he was the youngest twin, big brother Dale often served as spokesman for the two. Throughout their lifetimes, the twins would share comparable experiences, even during times when they were physically distanced one from the other.
Both boys inherited their exemplary work ethic from their father, Hollis. They learned from and were guided by him as they worked with him in his trucking business. The two brothers also shared a paper route delivering the now defunct Toledo Times Newspaper.
Delbert received his early education by way of matriculations at Nathan Hale and Mt. Vernon Elementary schools. He also attended McTigue Jr. High and was a proud, Class of 1979 graduate, of Macomber-Whitney High School.
Upon completing high school, Delbert enlisted in the United States Army where he served as Combat Medic.
In 1988, after his stint in the military, he returned to Toledo. The next year, he married Cynthia Eileen Harris. Three sons gifted this union: Andrew, Josiah and Jairus.
To support his young family, Delbert was employed as big rig operator. He later secured employment with the City of Toledo. During his employ there, he served as Superintendent of the Hoffman Avenue Landfill and as a Supervisor of the Sewer Department. He retired in 2014, after twenty years of service.
Delbert’s faith informed his life in its entirety. It began early at the Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church where he worshipped and was baptized under the supervision and watchful eye of of Rev. Alexander.
His Christian walk and commitment to family continued as he grew and matured. Eventually, he affiliated with the Faith Way Church under the pastorate of his father-in-law, Elder Wilbur C. Harris. During his 32-year tenure at Faith Way, he served as minister, elder and assistant pastor. He and wife Cynthia also nurtured their surviving sons, Josiah and Jarius, in the development of their musical talents and by encouraged ongoing volunteerism at the church.
Finally, on November 29, 2015, Elder Delbert Williamson was installed as Senior Pastor of Now Faith Worship Center, located on the Faith Way Church Campus.
During his tenure, he led the congregation through the passing of their beloved founding pastor, Elder Wilbur C. Harris. He was at the church helm in August 2019, when the congregation lost its Nebraska Avenue sanctuary due to a devastating church fire.
In keeping with his strong work ethic, it was common to see Elder Williamson and his sons tending to the grounds at Now Faith. Never fearful of getting his hands dirty, he routinely landscaped and cleared snow. Whatever was needed, Elder Williamson was willing to undertake the task. Despite life’s challenges, Elder Williamson remained steadfast in his faith and was an anchor for many in his beloved congregation.
A motorcycle aficionado, he was a founding member and vice president of the Christian Faith Riders. His participation with the group allowed him to combine his love of motorcycle riding with ministering to others about the love of Christ.
Without question, Elder Delbert Everett Williamson touched the lives of many through his life’s work as a veteran, City of Toledo employee, and pastor. Of his many gifts, his unpretentious demeanor; his love of God, of the church and of family and his unwavering faith are the most stellar.
He transitioned from labor to reward on April 8, 2020 and leaves a legacy of unselfish love for family, congregants and friends.
Pastor Williamson is predeceased by wife, Cynthia Harris Williamson; infant son, Andrew; father, Hollis Williamson; sister, Rosalyn Sims; brothers, Wilford and twin brother Dale and his grandparents.
He leaves to cherish his memory sons, Josiah and Jairus; mother, Helen Williamson, sister, Melva (Genus) Gilmore; brother-in-law, Harold Sims; sisters-in-law, Michella Williamson, Linette (Louis) Guilford; special friend, Benita Saaka and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, the congregation of Faith Way/Now Faith Worship Center and the Christian Faith Riders.
Arrangements entrusted to the House of Day Funeral Service are pending.