Bernard E. Williams

Bernard Eugene Williams, Jr., beloved son and second child of Bernard Eugene Williams, Sr. (deceased) and Barbara Regina Williams was born on June 8, 1950 in Washington, D.C.    On Saturday, November 23, 2013 after running the race, fighting a good fight, and keeping the faith, he was called home to rest with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Bernard was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System and graduated from Western Senior High School. Upon graduation, he attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio.  It was in high school that he met the love of his life of 45 years, Arnita Acty and they were blessed with two bundles of joy, LaVonne and Darryl.  He was a loving family man and was overjoyed with the birth of his precious granddaughter, Iman.  

Bernard began his professional career with the DC Public Library as a Librarian. During his career he also worked in retail and the construction industry.  He was a licensed asbestos remover, lead inspector and insulation worker. Bernard also served in the U. S. Army Reserves as a Financial Specialist and received awards as a Rifle Marksman and Grenade Specialist. Later in his career, until his retirement in July 2013, he worked for the Architect of the Capitol where he was a General Foreman, managing and supervising the many renovation projects that took place at the U.S Capitol and the other landmark buildings that made up the Capitol Campus.  He was loved and respected by his fellow co-workers for his dedication and service

Bernard was a warm, caring, enthusiastic and committed son, brother, father, uncle, nephew and cousin.  He loved and embraced his entire family, extended family and friends.  He treasured his grandmother, Veronica A. Fletcher, who is 101 years young and felt blessed to be in her presence. He cherished and was very grateful for his dedicated uncle, Lewis Fletcher, who was always there when he needed him.

Bernard was an avid reader and often kept abreast of the latest trends in business and finance. He also loved football and cheered weekly for the Redskins and the Ravens. He loved to tell jokes and share laughs with family and friends. He enjoyed hand dancing. Bernard loved listening to Motown artists especially The Temptations and The Four Tops. He appreciated a good detective show, his favorites were NCIS and Law and Order SVU. Most of all, Bernard loved to spend time with family friends at birthday celebrations and family reunions where he would share stories and take pictures of loved ones.

At a young age, he gave his life to God and attended church with his parents in Washington, D. C. A few years ago, he rededicated his life to Christ and joined Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church along with his daughter and granddaughter.  Bernard continues to be loved and celebrated by the love of his life, Arnita Acty; daughter, LaVonne Acty; son, Darryl Acty; his loving mother, Barbara Regina Williams; one brother, Ernest Williams (late Mona); three sisters, Cynthia Eccles (Joseph), Barbara Stewart (late Joseph), and Pamela Morrison (Gerald); a beautiful granddaughter, Iman; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of other extended relatives, church members and friends. His love will continue to be felt by all whom he touched.

“God has given me a special gift of loving, helping and serving others.  As I travel the road of life if I can just love and help somebody, then my living will not be in vain. This is my life’s work. Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love. I give my love to you.”