Lawrence L. Williams

Lawrence Lee Williams, affectionately known as Suga Baby, was born April 3, 1948 in New Madrid, Missouri to Fritz Marbley and Edna Earl Coleman Williams. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Charles Williams, and his brothers-in-law, Junior Patterson and Herman Smart.

He attended New Madrid public schools and graduated from New Madrid High School in New Madrid, Missouri in 1968. Shortly after graduating, Lawrence enlisted into the United States Army. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, a Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, an Army Commendation Medal, a Combat Infantryman Badge, an Air Medal, and two Purple Hearts. In the Veteran Administration office in Sikeston, Missouri, his picture hangs proudly on the Wall of Valor. He served his country honorably.

On January 17, 1970, he was united in marriage to the beautiful Syletta Gipson in Sikeston. They were soulmates that travelled through life together for many years. As he would say, “I’m the head, she’s the neck. The head cannot turn without the neck”. The love that they shared was special.

He was a man of great faith. He was the Pastor of Mt Pisgah FWB Church in New Madrid, Missouri. He also was the Bishop of Southeast Annual. His love for Christ exuded from him.

Bishop L.L. worked at Noranda Aluminum throughout his lifetime. After 30 years, he was able to retire.

His love for barbequing was shared amongst his community. Those who knew him loved his cooking and enjoyed supporting his food truck. In his free time, Lawrence enjoyed hunting and playing softball. All around, he enjoyed living, laughing, and having a good time but he was mostly known for his giving spirit. He was a cheerful giver.

His family, friends, and extended church family meant the world to him. He loved joking with them saying things such as, “It’s time for y’all to go” and “You got 15 minutes”. His presence will be missed tremendously. He was a “Chip off the old block”. Like he would say, “When you know, that you know, ‘that you know’”.

On the fourth Sunday of September 2024 while at his home in Sikeston, God dispatched his angels and brought his son home. He was taken from our midst at the age of 76 years, five months, and 19 days.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife, Syletta Williams of the home, his sons, Martin (Catresey) Gipson of Memphis, Tennessee and Lawrence (Lyntoria) Williams of Sikeston, Missouri, his daughters, Inger “Inky” (Cleveland) Roberson and Reeka (Daniel) Moore both of Sikeston, Missouri, Tiffany (Eric) Scott of Atlanta, Georgia, and Cortia Williams of Memphis, Tennessee, his sisters, Barbara Jean Patterson, Edna Williams, and Linda Sue Neal all of Decatur, Illinois, Wilma Smart of New Madrid, Missouri, Pauletta Hill of Memphis, Tennessee, and Dorothy Willis of Chicago, Illinois, a special grandchild, Teah (George) McCray of Sikeston, Missouri, 22 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, one great great-grandchild, one sister-in-law, Everlean Brown, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Mt Pisgah FWB Church in New Madrid, Missouri with Bishop Raymond Captville officiating. Interment will be Monday, September 30, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with full military honors. The Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.