Christopher Alexander Williams, accomplished musician
Christopher Alexander Williams, 45, of Millsboro, was born Sunday, Feb. 4, 1973, in Detroit, Mich., son of Alexanne and MacArthur Williams. He departed this life Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
After living in Detroit and Chicago, Ill., the family moved to Willingboro, N.J., where Christopher grew up and attended elementary school. He played soccer, participated in Cub Scouts and Indian Guides, along with his dad. After elementary school, Chris moved to Philadelphia, Pa., with his grandparents and attended William Penn Charter School. During his years at Penn Charter he was an honor student, participated in varsity track, and was a member of Quakers Dozen Choir and the school choir. Chris graduated from Penn Charter at the top of his class in June of 1991.
Chris received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and completed his education at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Conn., graduating in June 1995, with a degree in English.
An early introduction to music began at age 7 with piano lessons, uncovering Chris' talent, and soon, he began playing at school concerts, church programs and at other events. He later took organ lessons from Dr. J. Edward Hoy, renowned organist and director at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. This training enhanced his earlier piano skills.
Christopher grew up attending Emmanuel United Methodist Church where he participated in Sunday school, youth fellowship and the children's choir. However, his most fulfilling involvement was serving as musician and choir director for the church choirs. He served in this capacity from age 14 until he left for college. Chris became an accomplished musician, organist and vocalist.
As he directed the Senior Choir, Male Chorus and New Life Choir, God blessed him with the ability to work with people of all ages. Mutual admiration and respect was the result of this union!! Christopher was presented with an award for dedication and commitment to the music ministry of Emmanuel in 1998. He also received Youth of the Year award from BUMP (Black United Methodist Preachers) in 1994. Chris truly used his gift to glorify God!!
Since his preteen years, Chris had an affinity for computers, and an interest in anything relating to electronics. This interest included Nintendo Switch, which was a favorite pastime with Reemy and Aleana, his nephew and niece. He also enjoyed collecting various sports memorabilia, especially the Phi ladelphia Eagles! He was an avid Eagles fan and celebrated his 45th birthday on the day the Eagles won the Super Bowl.He was a "techie" kind of guy!!
Chris was a very kind hearted, respectful, sentimental person who loved being with family and friends. We will miss his sense of humor, jokes and imitating family and friends. We will miss hearing his voice and his music, his caring spirit, laughter and beautiful smile.
When visiting his grandparents in Delaware, Chris enjoyed navigating his grandfather's boat and crabbing off the pier with Tiffany, his sister. Chris enjoyed most styles of music from Louis Armstrong to Mozart. Chris was employed by American Express, Fidelis Care and Comcast. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alexander and Willie Mae Johnson; and an aunt, Angela Jane Johnson.
His life is celebrated by his parents, Alexanne and MacArthur Williams; one sister, Tiffany Wyn Copeland; one nephew, Kareem "Reemy" Copeland Jr.; two nieces, Aleana Angela Copeland and Brittany Williams; one brother, MacArthur Williams Jr.; fiancée, Nancy Rowell; brother-in-law, Kareem Copeland Sr.; one aunt, Elmira (Sylvester) Tucker; godmothers Carrissima Faust and Blanche Butler; and many loving cousins, aunts, uncles and devoted friends.
Service will be held Saturday March 24, at 11 a.m., at Emmanuel UMC, 17th and York Street, Philadelphia. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to service. Interment will be held Monday, March 26, at 11 a.m., at Ivy Hill Cemetery, 1201 Easton Road, Philadelphia.
To offer words of comfort, or sign the guestbook, visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Millsboro.
