Our History | J.W. Williams Funeral Home, Inc.

Proudly serving the communities of Crisp, Dooly, Pulaski, Turner, and Wilcox Counties, the J. W. Williams Funeral Home, Inc. continues the tradition begun by its founder, the late J. W. Williams. When the funeral home was established in 1918, Mr. Williams and the late W. E. Leonard, desired to offer the best in funeral services to all no matter what their social status may have been.

With J. W. being proudly supported by his wife, Mary, J. W. Williams Funeral Home became one of Cordele's finest businesses. J. W. Williams was always willing to help those who were in need. He was often seen giving rides to those in the neighborhood who needed assistance with groceries and other items.

The Williams Family held membership at Vienna's Mount Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and were very instrumental in the development of the church and the Vienna community. J. W. and Mary were the parents of four sons, J. H. "Jay" Williams, Frank E. Williams, Arthur Williams and Napoleon Williams. Knowing and realizing that family was very important, it was not long before the boys developed their own unique interest in funeral service. After his father's passing, J. H. Williams became the manager of the funeral home. While his mother maintained ownership, "Jay" saw to the day to day operation of the business.

J. H. Williams along with his family continued the tradition of prompt and friendly service started by his parents. His son, J. T. Campbell, having developed an interest in funeral service, became a licensed funeral director and continued the family tradition.

Although Frank and Napoleon excelled in the field of education, they were both closely involved in the affairs of the funeral home. In addition to his degrees in education and his doctorate degree, Napoleon also completed studies to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer at the Atlanta Mortuary School in Atlanta, Georgia.

Upon Jay's passing, Dr. Napoleon Williams became executor of the funeral home while J. T. served as the manager. After the passing of the family matriarch, Mrs. Mary B. Williams, the two surviving sons, Napoleon and Frank shared jointly in the ownership of the funeral home. After Frank's death in 1989, the ownership of the funeral home was given to Napoleon and J. T. Together they continued to make J. W. Williams Funeral Home a beacon of light in funeral service. J. T. passed away in 1994.

In 2000, Arthur L. Parker became a partner in the establishment. He serves as the General Manager and Dr. Napoleon Williams is the president. J. W. Williams Funeral Home still promotes the traditions established by its founders. The establishment recently expanded the garage, added a new state of the art embalming facility that is completely separate from the original building, and most recently added three private viewing rooms.

Arthur L. Parker, a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and insurance agent is a graduate of Jefferson State University in Birmingham, Alabama. Together he and Dr. Williams have maintained the standards of care and professionalism that people throughout the southwest Georgia area have grown to appreciate.

Dr. Williams, a Vienna City Councilman, is married to the former Joyce Henry and they have two daughters and three grandchildren. He and his wife are active members of Mount Zion C. M. E. Church.

On Saturday, May 8, 2010, Dr. Williams peacefully passed away at his home. His legacy of commitment to funeral service will always be regarded to the highest esteem by the families he served and all who worked with him in the profession.

Mr. Parker is married to the former Calandra Wilkerson.

They are the parents of a son, Jai'. They are active members of Greater Morris Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cordele where he serves as chairman of the Deacon Board.

With Dr. Williams' passing, Mr. Parker continues to lead the firm with an unwavering faith in God. As the Proprietor-President, Mr. Parker and the staff, exemplify a complete loyalty to funeral service and continue to give the professional and dignified service J. W. Williams Funeral Home has been known for over the years.