Obituary: Jerome Henry Williams, Jr., 60, of Meriden

MERIDEN, CT - (From Stempien Family Funeral Home) Jerome Henry Williams, Jr., 60, transitioned to be with the Lord on April 2, 2021 after a long illness.

He was born on August 18, 1960 to the late Helen Lester Williams and Jerome H. Williams, Sr. in Hartford, Connecticut.

Affectionately known as “PooPoo,” he began his education in the Hartford school system, before completing it in Meriden where his family relocated in the 1970’s.

His employment included the Cumberland Farms Corporation and the Thompson Candy Co.

He took courses for Hotel Management. However, after miraculously surviving and recovering from a major car accident about 25 years ago, he continued his career by serving as the House

Manager for a sober living facility in New Britain for more than eight years. He enjoyed assisting others in their journey forward.

In addition to his mother, PooPoo had a particularly special bond with his grandmother, Henrietta “Hinky” Anderson.

He also had a strong love for and relationships with his siblings, children, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and close friends. An example of one special moment was when he taught his brother Edward (aka “TooToo”) how to ride his first bike.

Jerome was known for his passion (and skills) for Basketball and music and the welfare of others. He was kind-hearted, caring, unselfish, forgiving, courageous, witty and had an amazing sense of humor.

In his youth, he participated in community events as the lead singer of a singing group with his brothers.

Two of his favourite renditions were leading the songs, “Jenny” by the Stylistics and “Reasons” by Earth Wind and Fire. (Y’all already know! LOL).

He also loved him some Michael Jackson and James Brown, where he learned his impressive dance moves.

PooPoo enjoyed life and doing whatever he could to help others.

Besides his parents and grandmother, Jerome was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Williams, his brother, Norman Williams, two sisters Helena and Wanda Williams, two aunts Debra and Alberta Lester, two Uncles James Lester and Gilbert Williams, a nephew, Derrick Williams, and a cousin, Jason Monroe.

To cherish his memory Jerome leaves his son Delvin Cannon of Meriden, three daughters Nakia S. Bennefield of Hartford, Jennaha Ward of South Carolina and Adrian Williams of Hartford; several grandchildren, Nasjir, Carmelo and Azyion Cannon of Meriden, Nahavia Williams, Jryen Ash, Destiny Matos, Kemari, Asheem and Jaheim Ford, and Julius Orozco of Hartford.

He also leaves his beloved siblings, Edward Williams, Sr. of New Britain, Charles Williams of North Carolina, Beverly Williams of Georgia, Lisa Williams of Middletown, Janine Williams of Hartford, Brandie Williams of Hartford, his dear Aunt Josephine Moore of Georgia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Jerome “PooPoo” Williams will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Apostolic Community Church, 146 Center Street, Meriden.

Please attend following CDC Guidelines, wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Meriden Memorial Funeral Home, Stempien Family Funeral Home, 450 Broad St. Meriden.

For online expressions of sympathy visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.