Reverend Ernest Williams

Reverend Ernest Williams,79, went home to be with the Lord September 26, 2016, after a courageous fight against cancer.



Born on a county road in Texas to Lena Mae Williams and Mac Donahue, Ernest was the youngest of 28 children. His parents were among the last persons born into slavery.

Ernest grew up hard in the south. To make a living he maintained a few different occupations, last of which was a truck driver. He liked the freedom of the open road and independent trucking satisfied that urge. He also broke horses and loved the cowboy lifestyle. You seldom saw Ernest without his Stetson perched at an angle on his head. A quiet solitary man, Ernest also liked to fish and ride motorcycles and horses.



Earnest's life story was amazing; from homelessness to a licensed minister. After he found the Lord, Ernest vowed to serve him for the rest of his life by helping others. He served many ministries and was an Usher at Amazing Grace Ministries and Out reach Church. Ernest belonged to a Des Moines Full Gospel Ministers' group, working with Des Moines Police Department and the Des Moines Public Schools. He volunteered even while fighting liver cancer. He received the Governor's Volunteer Award for the many hours devoted to helping generate donations to Clearview Recovery in Prairie City ; and assisting in food delivery from Iowa Food Bank to Scavo, Lincoln and East High Schools. He often led people to the altar with his great baritone voice and there he'd deliver the good news, that Jesus is coming back! He also loved children and helped to raise over 20 of them.



Ernest was preceded in death by all twenty seven of his siblings,



Left behind to celebrate his home going are his family by blood, family by love , his church family and friends. Ernest will be remembered for his contagious smile, cowboy boots and hat, his beautiful a capella voice and big heart



Memorial service

OCT 8. 10:00 AM

Amazing Grace Ministries

Des Moines, IA, US