Booker T. Williams

Booker T. Williams made his peaceful journey home at 3:30pm on Monday, February 13, 2012, after a long and full life. He was born on April 27, 1920, to Manning and Addie Williams in Corapeake, North Carolina. He was the seventh of eight children, all of whom have preceded him in death.

Booker stayed behind when his family left Corapeake and spent his early years helping his Uncle Sumler, a highly respected landowner, work his land.

In 1943, Booker enlisted in the Army. He later joined Officer Candidate School with the rank of Corporal, and graduated as a Second Lieutenant. Booker served in the Pacific, engaging the enemy in ground warfare in the Philippines. He was selected to lead other soldiers on a mission that led to the capture of a high-ranking Japanese general. The mission was a success, and he was awarded the Bronze Star. Booker served five years and was honorably discharged in February, 1948, with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Booker enrolled in the University of Michigan on a G. I. Bill in 1950, and graduated in 1955 from the University of Michigan Law School after completing his undergraduate and law work in five years. After graduation, he opened his first law office in Ypsilanti, Michigan on Adams Street. He continued to serve others as a criminal defense attorney and as an assistant prosecuting attorney.

He married Arletta Marie Simons in 1955. Booker and Arletta had seven children before her passing in 1970. Booker later married Jeanne C. LeBlanc in 1971.

After retiring, Booker and Jeanne moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, making many friends and acquaintances. Booker’s interest in helping others continued, with him funding incentive scholarships for high school students to motivate high academic achievement.

Booker leaves behind his wife, Jeanne; children, Kenneth L. Williams, Karen M. Freeman, Karl T. Williams, Emily C. Henry, Kurt E. Williams, Kristopher D. Williams and Kyle T. Williams; and a foster son, Henry N. Grayson He also leaves twelve grandchildren: Nicklas L. Williams, Kurt E. Williams, Jr., Gabrielle M. Williams, Haley M. Williams, Courtney A. M. Williams, Drew M. Williams, Amanda M. Williams, Christian A. Freeman, Kellen B. Williams, Victoria A. Williams, Kalla Y. Williams, and Alexander K. Williams. Booker also leaves daughters-/son-in law, a brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved and adored him.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Kevin A. Williams and Kelly R. Williams; and siblings, Arthur, Dorothy, Ruby, Christine, Bessie, Gladys, and Agnes.

He was a loving husband and father who gave generously to his family. His legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11 AM at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, with a Funeral Mass to be held at 12 Noon. Military Honors will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Alzheimer’s Association - 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 - Chicago, IL 60601-7633.

Condolences to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com