Jeffery T Williams

Jeffery T. Williams, Sr., a man whose presence filled
every room with equal parts wisdom and discipline, was born
on July 14, 1960, in Canton, Mississippi, to Hester and Elvin. As
the oldest of five, he grew into a protector, a leader, and a voice of
reason—sometimes with “that look,” but always with love.
He attended Manley High School in Chicago, Illinois, and gave
his life to Christ early on, but later rededicated his life through
baptism on July 10, 2022, at Corinthian Temple Church of God in
Christ.
In 1978, what began as a simple prom date with Ruby became
a lifelong love story. They married on April 12, 1980, and spent
45 years building a life together. To that union he embraced
two children, and they had five children together. They renewed
their vows in a formal ceremony at 25 years and continued their
commitment until his passing.
Jeffery was a hardworking man who dedicated himself fully to
every place he served. He spent over 20 years working at the Cotton
Club before moving on to Tiara Condos in Chicago, Illinois, where
he worked faithfully for 24 years. He loved his work because it
allowed him to greet people each day with dignity, class, and that
signature Jeffery charm. Always sharply dressed, always on time,
and always ready to serve, he made coming home feel like walking
into a place where someone truly cared.
But perhaps Jeffery’s greatest and most beloved craft was karate.
Known affectionately and respectfully as Master Jeffery Williams,
he rose through the ranks to become a Shihan/Master Teacher.
Teaching karate wasn’t just a hobby for him; it was a calling. He
shared his passion with his children, grandchildren, and any
student willing to focus, show respect, and put in the work.
Jeffery was a man who loved people deeply. He reached out often,
checking on family and friends with deep wisdom and the phrases
everyone knew him by: “Peace & love” and “I’m not mean, I just
mean what I say,” and he meant every word.
Jeffery passed away on November 29, 2025, just days after spending
Thanksgiving surrounded by food, laughter, and family.
He leaves to cherish his loving wife, Ruby; eight children, Marion
(Gabby), Mary (Tim), Jeffery Jr. (Sherita), Jason (Latrese), Jocelyn
(Jimmy), Dr. Rashonda (Arian), Rashun, and James; grandchildren,
Janiece, Jamirah, Jayla, Jeremiah, Shemar, Sa’Nah, Natalia, Jayelle,
Brayden, and Ezekiel; and six great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by his father, Elvin Reed; siblings, Jewel
Williams (Linda—preceded in death), and Joyce Miller (Jimmy—
preceded in death); along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, cousins, other family, and friends.
Jeffery was preceded in death by his mother, Hester and stepfather,
Will; brother, Julius; sister, Tynate; nephew, Jamar; and son and
grandson, Antoine Sr. and Jr.
Jeffery’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of strength,
discipline, and faith will continue to live on in every life he touched.
Peace & love, Master Jeff.

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