Eustice Williams II

With profound sorrow and heartfelt gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Pastor Eustice Williams announces his peaceful transition into eternal rest on the evening of October 7, 2026.

Born on January 2, 1957, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Eustace Hale Williams and Barbara (Mason) Williams, Pastor Eustice Williams was one of eleven children. From an early age, he learned the values of responsibility, hard work, faith, and perseverance that would shape the course of his life and ministry.

His spiritual journey began in a life-changing way in August 1975, when, while sitting on the porch of his family home, he heard the voice of the Lord instruct him to attend his uncle's church. In obedience to that call, he attended and there gave his life to Christ, was saved, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Later that same year, he enlisted in the United States Army, beginning a new chapter that would ultimately lead him to both his life's partner and his ministry calling.

In March 1976, he met Beverly Ann Gibson of Albion, Michigan. After a brief courtship of three weeks, they were united in holy matrimony on April 19, 1976, in Columbia, South Carolina. Their marriage became a beautiful partnership in life and ministry that would span four and a half decades. Following their marriage, they lived briefly in Indianapolis before relocating to Albion, Michigan, in July 1976.

Soon after arriving in Albion, the Lord led Eustice and Beverly to Gethsemane Temple Church of God in Christ. During a Tuesday night Prayer and Bible Band service in September 1976, Brother Williams experienced a powerful refilling of the Holy Ghost, while Sister Williams gave her life to Christ and later received the Holy Ghost as well. That very night, they united with Gethsemane Temple Church of God in Christ, beginning a lifelong commitment to the congregation that would become their spiritual home.

After settling in Albion, Pastor Williams earned his GED and high school diploma through Albion Senior High School while working at the Albion Malleable Iron Company. Despite the demands of work and family, he devoted countless hours each day to prayer, Bible study, and seeking the will of God. His passion for ministry became evident immediately as he faithfully served wherever needed. He ushered, sang in the choir, men's choir, attended and taught Sunday School, Prayer and Bible Band and Y.P.W.W. classes, and helped construct the church's new sanctuary. Alongside his beloved wife Beverly, he faithfully served under the leadership of Superintendent James S. Lee, whom he deeply respected and loved as his pastor and mentor.

Approximately one year after joining the church, during a prayer meeting conducted by the late Missionary Evangelist Hazel Perry, Brother Williams acknowledged God's call upon his life to preach the Gospel. He received his minister's license from Superintendent James S. Lee in 1977 and was officially ordained as an Elder later that year during the State Meeting at Bailey's Cathedral Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop John Seth Bailey.

A gifted preacher, prophet, evangelist, and prayer warrior, Elder Williams traveled throughout Michigan and Indiana conducting revivals, crusades, shut-ins, prayer services, and evangelistic meetings. Through his ministry, many souls were saved, believers were filled with the Holy Ghost, and countless individuals testified of healing, deliverance, and spiritual renewal. He became known for his unwavering faith, fervent prayer life, and dependence upon the power of God.

In February 1985, he was appointed First Administrative Assistant (Assistant Pastor) by Superintendent James S. Lee. Over the years, many prophetic words confirmed the call of God upon his life to lead Gethsemane Temple. Though he never sought the pastorate, preferring simply to serve faithfully as an evangelist and laborer in God's vineyard, he humbly submitted to God's plan and the direction of church leadership.

After years of faithful service under Superintendent James S. Lee, Elder Williams was appointed Pastor of Gethsemane Temple Church of God in Christ on June 10, 1990, by Bishop Nathaniel Wyoming Wells Jr. Under his leadership, the church experienced spiritual growth, financial stability, and physical improvements. The church mortgage was retired, extensive renovations were completed, ministries were strengthened, and the congregation continued to thrive under his steadfast leadership and commitment to holiness.

Pastor Williams remained devoted to preaching the unchanging Word of God and teaching a life of consecration and holiness. He continued to conduct prayer meetings, revivals, and evangelistic services as led by the Lord while serving as a respected leader within the Church of God in Christ community. He faithfully served in numerous jurisdictional and district leadership positions, including Chairman, Prayer Chaplain, District Evangelist, and Y.P.W.W. President.

Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Williams was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, mentor, counselor, and friend. He was known for his wisdom, integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. His life reflected the principles he preached and inspired those around him to draw closer to Christ.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sister Beverly Williams, and his cherished daughter, Rebecca Williams. Although these losses deeply affected him, Pastor Williams remained steadfast in his faith and found strength in the promises of God.

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy his loving children: Jessica Williams of Charlotte, North Carolina; Tamara Williams of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Eustice Matthew Williams of Detroit, Michigan. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Amara Croft and Edward Croft; his sisters, Danetta Williams and Celestine Crenshaw; his sister-in-law, Karen Gibson-Riddle; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, church family, and countless friends and spiritual sons and daughters whose lives were forever touched by his ministry and example.

For almost five decades, Pastor Williams faithfully preached the Gospel, led God's people, and served his community with humility and love. His legacy lives on through the lives he transformed, the congregation he shepherded, the family he cherished, and the unwavering faith he modeled.

Though we grieve his earthly departure, we rejoice in the assurance that he has entered into the presence of the Lord he faithfully served.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

Matthew 25:23

Funeral and memorial service arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

The family respectfully requests continued prayers during this time of bereavement and sincerely appreciates the many expressions of love, support, and sympathy extended to them.

Pastor Eustice Williams

January 2, 1957 – October 7, 2026

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

Psalm 116:15

Forever Loved. Forever Remembered. Forever in God's Presence.