Horace Chapman Williams

Horace Chapman Williams was the middle of three sons born to Estha & Robert Williams on February 13, 1935 in Leland, MS. The family later relocated to Ann Arbor, MI where Horace became a lifelong resident. He attended the former Jones School and Ann Arbor High School. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corp for three years and was honorably discharged.

In 1957 Horace met and married the love of his life, Louise Daniel Turman who he affectionally called “Sapphire.” Together they raised four children prior to Louise preceding him in death in 2018.

Horace had a long work history and retired from both the United States Post Office and later the Ann Arbor Public Schools. He was a driven man and never shied away from hard work to provide for his family and the things he enjoyed.

Horace led a full life! He was a long time member of Bethel AME Church in Ann Arbor serving on the Trustee and Usher Board until his health began to change. He was a generous, social and humble person to whom many can attest. He was a sharp dresser, wore more gold jewelry than “Mr. T” and enjoyed pampering himself with massages, manicures and pedicures. He had a huge appetite for such a small framed man. There are still vivid memories of family dinners with his plate overflowing with food and him retreating to the corner of the room so he could eat without interruption. Horace believed in staying active and could be seen walking around Ann Arbor including the outer skirts of Briarwood Mall for exercise in his younger years. He and Louise shared their love of travel cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Alaska, and visiting Egypt and other destinations. He was active in many local civic organizations including his beloved Masons. His fellow brother shared his journey, ”Past Master Horace C. Williams was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason at St. Mary's Lodge No. 4, under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan, Free and Accepted Masons in 1970. He later joined Peninsular Consistory No. 44 and began his journey as a Scottish Rite Mason. Brother Williams continued on to become a member of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, whereby he also found himself leading Al Ashraf Temple No. 167 as Illustrious Potentate in 1979. He would later be elevated to the 33°. Only 1% of Freemasons worldwide are elevated to this honorable degree."

Horace leaves to cherish his memory his children Vachon Williams, Felicia Turman, Sharon Turman-Baggett and Tyrone Turman; grandchildren Kenya Williams, Charde Baggett, Tara Jackson, Kevin Cauchi, Jennifer Cauchi, Jessia Smith, TJ Turman, Tia-Jah Singletonm and Bianca Williams; great granddaughter Oriana Brown; brothers Samuel E. Holloway (Janet) and Robert E. Williams Sr.; and a host of nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, extended family and friends