Rev. Michael J. Williams, Sr.

Michael Williams Sr. came into this world on June 26, 1963, in Portland, Oregon to Mother Mary Glen Ola Williams McSwain and the Late Deacon Mager L.C. Williams. Michael Wiliams Sr ended his earthly assignment and entered into his eternal rest on May 1, 2023 

Michael Williams Sr. grew up in Portland, Oregon, where he attended Boise and Duniway Elementary School. He enjoyed playing the drums at church and participating in sports such as baseball, basketball and track and field. Michael had two nicknames growing up, Mac Truck and McAdoo, after his favorite NBA player.  He wore his name on the back of his shirts for years.  He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1981. He married the love of his life, a childhood friend, Teresa Noble July 13, 1987. They were happily married for 35 years. Through their beautiful union, two children were born, Michael Williams Jr and Joylayna Williams. He loved his family. They often shared laughs and spent quality time traveling to the beach, one of his favorite spots to visit. 

Michael Williams Sr. held numerous jobs early on in adulthood until the Lord blessed him with employment at Kaiser Permanente in the Logistics Department. He worked faithfully with Kaiser Permanente for 26 years. 

Michael accepted Christ at an early age. A prophetic word was spoken to Michael at the age of 15 in a revival at Emmanuel Church by Elder Connedy. He told Michael that the spirit of the Lord said that he would preach his word and touch many people's lives. Michael was ordained to preach the gospel under the leadership of one of his mentors, Reverend B.M. McSwain, at Philiaphelia C.M.B. Church. January 26th, 1997, Michael was ordained as an Elder by Dr. Johnny Pack IV, Pastor C. Jointer, and the late Dr. Raymond Edwards; where the late Bishop A.A. Wells, one of his mentors, preached the message. Michael attended North Portland Bible College to further his biblical studies. 

Elder Michael Williams dedicated his life to preaching God’s word and ministering to all in need.  He preached many messages at various ministries across the NW regions. God's word and saving souls were his passions in his ministry. His service includes the Emmanuel Church youth department Divisional Elder,  working with YPCW (Young People Christian Workers), and preaching the 8 am Morning Worship Service. He dedicated much of his work to visiting the sick and shut-in, nursing homes, and those in need. He was a mentor to for young men. He counseled and married many. He also preached numerous messages at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ United under the leadership of another mentor Bishop Artrice L. Wright.  Rev. Michael Williams Sr. was a shining example of what true servanthood is all about. The legacy he leaves is undeniable of a true “Man of God.”

He is preceded in death by his father, Mager LC Williams and George McSwain, brother Earl Williams Sr, sister Genetta Williams, brothers Tetteh Kofi and Kaman Ware, and grandfather John Calhoun and Johnnie Makinly Williams and grandmother Ola Mae Thrasher Williams.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Williams, children, Michael Williams Jr. and Joylayna Williams. His three beautiful grandchildren, Maliah Williams, Kyrie Link, and Nazear Link, whom he loved dearly. His mother, Mother Mary Ola McSwain, sister Mssn Genella Ware, brothers Deacon Orlando Williams (Nicole), Asare Kofi, God-sister Diane Lambert (Leonard), and numerous aunts, uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

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