Jerome Williams

As the bright planets of Jupiter and Saturn’s great conjunction culminated, how fitting my father was led to Heaven on Monday, December 21, 2020 by the Star of Bethlehem. Jerome Williams peacefully passed away after complications from a fall in October 2020.

Jerome Williams also known as “Jay” or “Ronnie” was born to Virginia Viola and Earnest Ray Williams in January 1929. Upon graduation from Central High School, he joined the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department at the tender age of 18. He barely weighed enough to pass the physical requirements. Rumor has it the nurse leaned on him a bit to push the scale up a few pounds so Jerome could be hired.

While he was patrol as a Sergeant in pursuit of a man who shot his mother and son, Jerome was shot through his police notebook as he approached the suspect. The bullet pierced his lung and lodged in his heart. A second shot rang out and hit Jerome at the mouth with the bullet exiting behind his ear. Although he returned fire and shot the suspect in the shoulder and hip, Jerome knocked the suspect out with his own gun and then crawled back to his patrol car to radio for his own ambulance. Less than ten minutes later, there would not have been a reason to operate.

Because of these life-threatening events, Jerome confirmed his belief in God and miracles for the rest of his life! Eleven days later, he was out of the hospital and a month later, he was back at work. Jerome believed the years following were his second chance at life. He attended college and took mostly classes in business, investigating, fingerprinting, explosive reconnaissance, arson investigation, supervision and management of personnel, locksmithing and law. Policing was his life and he was definitely one of the good ones! He also owned his own locksmith business and after retirement worked in school security, BarclaysAmerican and the Federal Reserve Bank.

Jerome married Peggy Steele and had three beautiful girls. They were married almost 20 years prior to divorcing. Jerome taught his girls how to protect themselves, mow a lawn, use tools and change a flat tire.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Ronda Williams, parents Ernest and Viola, brother Ray Williams (Julia) and his Aunt Bea. Jerome is survived by daughters Jeanie Colvin, Shelly Williams (Chuck), grandchildren Raquel Plank (Matt), Cameron Colvin and Carson Colvin and great grandchildren Clark and Reveille Plank. He is also survived by his brother Charles Williams (Doris) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Too many to name, but definitely not forgotten.

The simple things in life made Jerome happy. He believed in God, America and was a veteran of the US Army stationed in Germany and numerous other places. He excelled at fixing almost anything, opening almost any lock or safe, staying healthy, completing crossword puzzles, reading 4-5 books a week, attending Sunday school and church, watching, and feeding birds. He was never seen in shorts or barefoot and believed in dressing nice for any appointment or church service. As a southerner, of course he loved fried chicken, sweet ice tea, Ford cars, Westerns, steak and potatoes, Chips Ahoy and ice cream pops.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to the kindhearted doctors and nurses providing the added care for Jerome during this difficult time. With special attention to the hospice and palliative doctors, nurses and the angels at the Levine and Dickson Hospice House at Southminster. Following his wishes, McEwen Funeral Service is handling Jerome’s cremation.

Due to Covid, there are no immediate services planned. There may be a Celebration of Life held in Jerome’s honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Eastern Hills Baptist Church (www.ehbc.info) or Hospice & Palliative Care (www.hpccr.org).

What would please Jerome immensely would be an unsolicited act of kindness without recognition in his name.