Elder Mary E. Williams

Celebration of Her Story

On December 17, 1944, a gift was born to the world in the person of Mary Elizabeth Geiger. God began writing her story and entrusted her to the late David Geiger, Sr., Annie Ruth Miller-Geiger, and her stepfather, Charles King. 

Elder Mary E. Williams was affectionately known as “Mae” to her family and friends. She attended the public schools of Richland County and was a graduate of C.A. Johnson High School, Class of 1963. During her high school years, Elder Williams played volleyball and badminton. She even graced the skating rink and was known to be one of the greatest skaters in her neighborhood. Elder Williams was also a gifted and talented dancer and even made a television appearance tap dancing with her sister. She loved being on stage and performing at school and in her neighborhood. In addition to her love of skating, dancing, and performing, she had a passion for cooking for both family and friends.

Celebration of Her Faith

At an early age, Elder Mary E. Williams dedicated her life to Christ. Even as a young child, she knew she was special. She started her ministry as a member of the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where she served in the Music Ministry and Missionary Department. While there, she sang in the choir and was known as “Little Shirley Caesar.” After serving at Progressive, Elder Williams became a member of Rehoboth United Apostolic Church, in Columbia, SC, under the leadership of Bishop C.L. Lorick. She faithfully served in the Missionary Department and as a teacher in the Youth Department. Her love of music and ministry continued as she eventually moved (upon marriage) to the House of God, Keith Dominion and then the Biblical House of God, both located in Cayce, SC. 

Elder Mary E. Williams was ordained as a Minister by Bishop Alphonso Jackson (then National Presiding Bishop of the Biblical House of God Church) on August 6, 1988.  For twenty-six years, she humbly served as pastor of the Biblical House of God Church of Cayce, SC. Until her transition, she continued to show her dedication to the Lord through her service as the Second Assistant to Bishop Leroy Middleton Jr., the current National Presiding Bishop of the Biblical House of God Church.

Throughout her life, Elder Mary E. Williams did not take her calling lightly but completely depended on the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.  Her life was an open book, and she wanted others to know it was God who ordained her. Elder Williams humbled herself before Him in order to be used by Him. During her pastorate, she always prayed for her flock and truly wanted them to pursue every potential talent God placed within them.

 Celebration of Her Family

On August 16, 1968, Mary E. Geiger married the love of her life, her “Adam 12”, her “Boyfriend”, Adam Williams, Jr.  They were committed to, faithful to, devoted to, and in love with each other for fifty-two years. Together, they raised five children; Tonja, Etholya, Adam, III, Raquel, and Jairus. The legacy continued with ten grandchildren.

Elder Mary E. Williams was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, David Geiger, Jr., and Bobby Geiger.

Leaving to cherish fond memories is her husband, Adam Williams, Jr.; five children, Tonja Williams, Etholya (Salena) Williams, Adam (Tina) Williams, III, Raquel (John) Jones, and Jairus (Ebony) Williams; one brother, Joseph (Barbara) Geiger; three sisters, Helen (Ernest) Priester, Doris Geiger, Debra King; one brother-in-law, Lucious (Rose) Williams; two sisters-in-law, Carrie Stembridge, of South Carolina, and Margaret Williams, of New Jersey; ten grandchildren, Zamonte, Lindsey, Aerial, Victoria, Serenity, Asia, John, Joshua, Caleb, and Chase; one goddaughter, Lakesha Williams; one godson, Andre Bostic; her loving Biblical House of God family; and a host of treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Celebration of Her Accomplishments

For many years, Elder Mary E. Williams worked for Bell South as an elevator clerk and as a Supervisor and Mental Health Specialist, III, at The Midlands Center.  She had a very patient heart and love for the vulnerable. She was a champion and supporter for those considered to be “underdogs” and would fight for their cause.

In recognition of her dedicated service, Elder Mary E. Williams was recognized as the State Park Correctional Center’s Volunteer of The Year on January 26, 1993, for ministering the Word to the female inmates. To further her spiritual education, she attended the Word of Life Outreach Bible Training Center, The Biblical House of God School of Theology, Columbia International University, and Beacon University.

In celebration of her numerous years in ministry and service to her community, Elder Mary E. Williams received a Certificate of Recognition from the South Carolina House of Representatives on behalf of Representative Joseph A. McEachern. On September 15, 2013, Mayor Steve Benjamin and the Columbia Council, proclaimed every September 15th as “Pastor Mary E. Williams Day” in recognition of her outstanding service, dedication, and loyalty to the Church and the Community. In October 2017, Elder Williams also received a letter of recognition from our first African-American and 44th United States President, President Barack Obama, for her years of dedicated service as a faith leader and mentor.

Celebration of Her Legacy

Elder Mary E. Williams became a light for so many people. She never met a stranger and drew everyone in with her infectious smile, joyous spirit, and lively personality. It was almost impossible to be sad or depressed around her and, if you were, she went out of her way to cheer you up. Elder Williams was known as one of the funniest people in the world. Her preaching and teaching were often mixed with humor that left the congregation rolling with laughter. Her mission in life was to impact everyone she met in a way that would change their life for the better.

She was a bold, powerful, and anointed woman of God who lived a life of faith by precept and example. The call of God on her life was clearly evident as she spoke into the lives of so many people. Although she only had five biological children, she birthed many spiritual sons and daughters. Because of Elder Williams’ great reverence and love of God, she loved God’s people and served with her heart and soul. She loved the Word of God and was a strong believer in both the power of God’s Word and prayer. She always had an encouraging word and truly believed God can do anything. Her faith was strong enough to inspire others to believe.

Celebration of Her Transition

Elder Mary E. Williams’ presence blessed this world for seventy-five years. On Thursday, November 26, 2020, Elder Mary E. Williams departed this life and is with the Heavenly Father.  Her motto in this life was: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13). Elder Mary E. Williams’ love and legacy will continue to live in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elder Mary E. Williams, please visit our floral store.