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Rev. Edwin W. Williams, 73, retired Elder of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, died Dec. 17 in Selma, Alabama. The Rev. Deborah E. Born officiated at his funeral at Barrett Road UMC in Selma. The Rev. Rodney Smothers officiated at a memorial service Jan. 15 at Corkran Memorial UMC in Temple Hills.

Williams was educated in the public school systems of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and New York City. He graduated from Morgan State University and worked for a short time as a social worker for the city of New York. He received his call to ministry in 1963 and entered the Gammon Theological Seminary of Atlanta, Ga., graduating with honors in 1966. He was ordained Deacon in the West Virginia Conference in 1966 and Elder in 1967.

Williams is the seventh generation of United Methodist ministers in his family. He holds the distinction of being the last ministerial candidate accepted in the Washington Conference prior to the integration of the United Methodist Church.

After serving two years in the West Virginia Conference, he transferred to the Baltimore-Washington Conference where he served faithfully until retirement in 2004. During his 38 years of active ministry he served Main Street UMC in Westminster, 1968-69; Metropolitan UMC in Indian Head 1969-1979, including Shiloh UMC from 1970-1972. From 1979-1984, he was at Grace UMC in Fort Washington; and from 1984 to 1992, at Asbury-Broadneck UMC in Annapolis. From 1992 to 2000, he was appointed to McKendree-Sims-Brookland UMC in Washington, D. C. His last appointment in 2000 was to Corkran UMC in Temple Hills, from which he retired in 2004.

In addition to his pastoral duties Williams served on several District and Conference boards including both District and Conference Boards of Ordained Ministry. He was the recipient of many certificates and awards including the Harry Hosier Award for outstanding leadership in the Black United Methodist Church. In May, 2008, he was inducted into the Preacher's Hall of Fame in Washington, D. C.

His hobbies were reading, traveling, watching television, and treasure hunting in thrift stores.

Upon retirement he moved to Selma, Alabama, to start a new chapter in his life. He enjoyed supporting his wife, Dorothy, in her "temporary" involvement with the youth of her home church, Elbethel Baptist Church, which included a mentoring and tutorial program. He especially enjoyed tutoring in history and social studies, plus attending Sunday school and occasionally preaching at the 11 a.m. service.

After seven years, he reunited with The United Methodist Church and they settled on Barrett Road UMC in Selma. He will be remembered there for his keen mind, his love for books, his quiet, gentle spirit, his organizational and administrative skills as a pastor, but most of all for his special interest in children and young people.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Dorothy Ford Williams; two sons, Rev. Dr. Thurman L. Williams of Baltimore, and Mark A. Williams of Atlanta; and four grandchildren.

Condolences may be sent to Dorothy Williams, 3250 Lincoln Drive, Selma, AL 36701.