On A Sad Note

Maryland Alphonso Williams, a respected humanitarian and a loving father and husband, died on Sunday, January 6, 2008, at his home surrounded by loving family and friends. Mr. Williams had a long, heroic struggle with cancer and became an inspiration to many by always refusing to be defined by his disease. On Friday he had given an impassioned speech to a large gathering in Durham; Saturday he was riding around town with his wife tending to business.Mr. Williams was born July 8, 1951, to the late Thaddeus Williams Jr. and Lucy Speed Johnson-Williams in Franklinton. He grew up in Durham and was a graduate of Hillside High School and Durham Community College.Over the last 10 years of his life, Mr. Williams became a local, state and national leader on homelessness, drawing upon his own personal experiences to become a true friend of those in need. He conducted street outreach, directed a detoxification facility, served as a counselor and worked in many positions with Housing for New Hope, the latest as a program manager. He served as a founder and president of the alumni of Housing for New Hope, a group of formerly homeless people who provide support and advocacy for those dealing with homelessness and addiction.Mr. Williams was a member of the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness and was appointed by the mayor to be on the executive team of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Durham. He made three trips to Washington, D.C., in 2007 to help testify before the U.S. Senate and led a national workshop on advocacy.Mr. Williams had a love of music and was known as DJ Phonze when he performed for local fundraisers and dances. He loved "old school" music and old stylish cars. He was an avid photographer, an excellent public speaker and a fine dancer.In his every endeavor, Mr. Williams brought forward his unique personality, his depth of care and compassion and his abiding and authentic faith and spirituality.Alphonso Williams leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, LaFrance, and their children, Alfranzia Bryant Williams, Randi Thomas, Danci Melvin and Charles McDonald; beloved sister and brother, Jackie Parker and Johnny "Red" Williams; mother-in-law, Caroline Davis; sisters-in-law, Evelyn McNeil (Keith) and Mary Ford (Stanley); brothers-in-law, Robby and Bobby Gray; and a host of nieces, nephews and faithful friends.A memorial service celebrating Mr. Williams' life will be held Sunday, January 13, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville Street, Durham. A reception will follow the service.In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Mr. Williams' love for his family and his work, a gift (non-tax deductible) can be made to the Williams Children Educational Fund or a contribution (tax deductible) made to Housing for New Hope. Gifts and contributions can be sent to 18 West Colony Place, Suite 250, Durham, NC 27705.