PASTOR LANEAL WILLIAMS

Pastor Laneal Williams April 13, 1961 - June 9, 2014 ELKHART - Pastor Laneal Williams, 53, "fought the good fight and kept the faith; and finished the course." He departed this world on Monday, June 9, 2014, in Elkhart, Indiana. He was born on April 13, 1961, to Frank and Elnore Williams in Canton, Mississippi. He was a loving son, husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend. Laneal attended Canton Rogers School. Early in life, he confessed Christ and joined South Liberty Baptist Church in Canton.

In 1973 he relocated to South Bend, Indiana. He attended and graduated from LaSalle High School.

He became employed at the Quality Inn downtown South Bend. In seeking a new church, he united with Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Chase Sr. (now deceased). Laneal became active in the church, working in the Youth Ministry and singing in the Choir. Later, he was called into the Ministry and worked faithfully in his calling. He was elected Pastor of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 1122 E. Minor Street, in South Bend. He preached and taught the WORD and served God's people. He was affiliated with the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and also the Michiana Fellowship. Laneal was a promoter of gospel singers and brought many groups to the Michiana area: The Melodic Truth, Lee Williams and the Q.C.'s, The Canton Spirituals, Doc McKinstry, Evelyn Turrentine Agee, The Jackson Southernaires, and many, many more. He also was the Overseer of the Michiana Community Male Choir.

He met the love of his life, Sister Marsha Bailey. They united in marriage on March 24, 2007, and remained faithful to the Lord's work until he was called home. Laneal very much enjoyed spending time with his family, arranging cookouts and other family gatherings.

Pastor Laneal Williams leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Marsha Williams of Elkhart, Indiana; daughter, Nakisha Williams of South Bend, Indiana; grandchildren: Nadia Whitmore, J'vonde Whitmore Jr. and Danaiah Whitmore, all of South Bend; father, Frank Williams of Peoria, Illinois; siblings: Earnestine Jones of South Bend, George (Bernice) Hawkins, Billy (Mertistine) Williams, and James Calvin Williams, all of South Bend, Ralph (Mary) Nash of Bolingbrook, Illinois, Thomas (Marcella) Manning of Elkhart, Indiana; sisters-in-law: Ramona Donaldson, and Chantell Bailey, both of Elkhart, Indiana; a special Godmother, Joanna Wheeler; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church family, all of whom will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Elnora Williams; siblings: Christine Millsap, Mattie Mae Williams, Frank Williams Jr.; grandmother, Bernice Goodloe; niece, Barbara Millsap; and brother-in-law, Thomas Jones Sr.

Public visitation is scheduled from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2014, in Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, and will include "Commemoration of Life" service from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2014, in Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams Street, South Bend. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Sign his guestbook at www.clarkoneal.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jun. 12, 2014.

09/12/2022 EJS