Harry Stephen Williams

Harry Stephen Williams was born in Newburgh, Indiana on June 2, 1940 to Dorothy White (born Dorothy Posey) and Albert Williams. After graduating from Newburgh High School, Harry attended Indiana University and eventually earned his Master’s degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Prior to completing his education, Harry married Eula Starks and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Air Force and served in Vietnam. When he returned, he and Eula had their son, Reggie. Though they divorced, they became great friends and stayed in close communication until the day he died.

Harry put his Interior Design degree to good use, becoming the first Black licensed interior designer in the state of Indiana. He got his start working with Marianna Sturtevant and, after her death, he assumed the business, growing it into Marianna-Williams Interior Designing. Harry spent the next 40+ years beautifying homes in the Evansville tri-state area. When he wasn’t in his Volvo station wagon, Harry loved to entertain, using his house as an office, showroom and frequent location for dinner parties and other events.

In addition to his work, Harry was passionate about music, antiques, clothes and fine dining. His love of travel took him around the world to places like Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Paris and Amsterdam. While able, Harry was an active member of Saint Benedict Cathedral. Harry also was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Kappa Rho Lambda chapter. In his later years, one of Harry’s favorite pastimes was spending time with his 3 grandsons, Jordan, Isaiah and Oscar. He frequently visited them in New York and loved hosting them in Evansville.

Harry took his last breath on Christmas Eve, 2020. It was always a special night for him, and it will remain a time to celebrate his life and legacy. Harry is survived by his mother, Dorothy White, his sister, Sherry Berry, his nephew, Brandon White, his niece Lynteara White, his son, Reggie Williams, his grandchildren and many other friends and family.

Graveside Services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Oak Hill Cemetery where military services will be conducted. Harry’s service will be livestreamed beginning at 1:45 p.m. at the following link, www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA.