Clayton Arturo Williams, affectionately known as “Willie,” was born on August 14, 1939, in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, to Jacob and Ingerborg Williams (both deceased). Raised in Bethlehem Village, Clayton’s life was marked by hard work, humor, family devotion, and a lasting spirit. His early years fostered a love of horses and land, complemented by his mischievous charm. Moving to Chicago as a young man, Clayton worked various jobs, including busboy, gypsy cab driver, and mattress-maker, cultivating his lifelong passion for upholstery.
Returning to St. Croix, Clayton was steadfast in his pursuits, working as a Control Room Operator at the VI Water and Power Authority while also managing a thriving upholstery business and rental properties. His entrepreneurial drive inspired many. After retirement, Clayton enjoyed global adventures through a travel club and dedicated two joyful years as a stay-at-home dad. Later, he proudly served Women in Distress as a driver, earning Employee of the Month multiple times. Clayton’s generosity shone through his active involvement in the St. Croix Lions Club and as a dedicated trustee at Medford AME Zion Church, where he diligently cared for church grounds. Renowned for his sharp wit, charming sarcasm, and sly smile, Clayton cherished family above all, delighting especially in birthdays and celebrations.
Clayton peacefully departed this life on March 8, in Davie, Florida. He was preceded in death by his sisters Delores Jackson, Joyce Knight, and Cheryl Williams Galloway. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of over 40 years, Urma Elizabeth Williams; his children Alon Williams, Carol Williams (John Sydney), Michelle Williams, Natalie Bizzell Williams (Michael Bizzell), Michael Anthony Mills (Alicia Mills), Chennel Alison Williams, Clayton A. Williams Jr., Clinton Anthon Williams (Njeri Williams), and Craig Arturo Williams; grandchildren Deidra Martínez, Makayla Bizzell, Chaigna Gumbs, Enja Gumbs, Tamisha Thomas-Evans (Gregory Evans Sr.), Frankie Thomas (Natasha Thomas), Latoya Thomas-Simmonds (Shaun Simmonds), Kerisha Greenidge, Akeem Greenidge, Nashali Williams, Anshade’ Williams, Ajaydah Williams, Antonea Malloy Mills, Alijiah Marie Mills, Milaani Aliah Mills, Mekhi Anthony Mills, Cayden Anthon Williams, Carter A Williams (deceased), and Chessa Alana Williams (deceased); great-grandchildren Ameia Wright, Mia George, Liam Brathwaite, Kiara Gumbs, Iah Gumbs, Enya Gumbs, Jazlyn Summers, Crystal Nash, Teh’Ron Tull, Tre’Von Portor, Te’Jaun Portor, Frankie Thomas III, Brianna Thomas, Zion Thomas, Kimani Thomas, Emile Heywood, Elijah Heywood, Lalique Brathwaite, Kimysha Greenidge, Eric Greenidge, Gianna Greenidge, Malaysia Mills; and great-great-grandchild Ta’Vari Tull. He is also survived by his siblings Karen Williams, Astrid Johnson, and Jacob Williams, his former wife Mable Williams, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and special friends too numerous to mention. His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.
