On Tuesday, March 15, 2016, our family patriarch was peacefully called home. Masaw Lender Williams was born on May 12, 1926 in Pageland County, South Carolina. He spent most of his young adult life growing up in the city of Monroe, North Carolina. Masaw was the son of the late Esau and Gabriella Williams.

A servant leader, public service was one of his long-time passions. Masaw freely gave of his time as a member of many committees and organizations in support of community revitalization and safety. The legacy he leaves behind is directly linked to the impressions that he made. Wherever Masaw traveled, he was always known for his gregarious personality as he never met a stranger. Masaw was lovingly known as the "Mayor" among family and friends. A long-time member of Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church in White Plains, Maryland, Masaw faithfully served as an usher. He was also an associate member of Cornerstone AME Church in LaPlata, Maryland.

In 1942, Masaw joined the Navy, where he served for three years. After returning home, he pursued and graduated with a bachelor's degree from Johnson C. Smith University. Masaw started his career with the National Park Service Police, then worked many years for the Smithsonian Institution as first an analyst/researcher and in later years, security.

In 1955, Masaw met and married Barbara Ann Hewitt, who in 2013 preceded him in death. They had two children: Tondalaya Carroll and Jacqueline Williams-Holt. In addition to his two children, he sadly leaves behind two brothers, Esau Williams and John Williams; one sister, Sylvia Williams; two sons-in-law, Rodney Carroll and Paul Holt; grandchildren Teyanna (Coby), Ryelle, Raven (Yusuf), Ryan, Rynee, Christian L., Christian, Chanel, Charity, and Chase; great grandchildren Tasia, Dashawn, Cameron, Cobi, Carter, Elijah, Donovan, Aidan, Gabriel, Yusuf Jr., and Dylan.

Masaw also leaves behind one brother-in-law, Charles Lawrence; four sisters-in-law; Marcella Taylor, Pearl Hager, Gertrude Williams, and Ernestine Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving friends, neighbors, and church family. In addition to his wife and parents, twelve siblings and a grandson preceded him in death.

Masaw, a loving father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, will forever live on in our hearts.

The family will celebrate his life on Saturday, March 26, 2016, viewing 11:00 am, services at 12:00 noon at Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church, 13025 Good Samaritan Drive in Waldorf, MD. 20601 Inurnment, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD on March 28, 2016 at 11:00am. Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.