Garrett E. Williams, Jr. affectionately known as “Bleek” was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 15, 2023, at Oak Grove Health and Rehab in Chesapeake VA.
Garrett was born on September 29, 1933, in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Garrett E. Williams, Sr. and Marvenia Price Williams. He attended Norfolk Public Schools, graduating from Booker T. Washington High school in 1952. He continued his educational pursuits and in May 1955 would complete a diploma program in Industrial Education from Norfolk State University, known at the time as Little State.
Upon receiving his diploma, he was hired at the Naval Supply Center, Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. He was drafted in the United States Army in July 1956. He served in the US Armed Forces from 1956 to 1958 and received an honorable discharge. When he returned home, he continued to work at the Naval Supply Center retiring in 1988 after 32 years of service as a Foreman and Competency Based Certified Instructor. During that time, he received a certificate of appreciation from the Commander and Chief President Bill Clinton and a SSP award for Sustained Superior Performance. He went on to retire from the Army Reserves after 36 years as Sergeant First Class Paratrooper.
Garrett and his best friend Downs worked part-time at the Flagship restaurant in Portsmouth for 38 years. The Flagship was the fine dining choice of Portsmouth’s elite. The clientele dressed in furs, evening gowns and dinner jackets. The duo became known for the exemplary service they provided to the patrons and were highly requested. It was here he would meet the likes of mayors, lawyers, doctors, and members of law enforcement who would later become the Chief of Police and the Sheriff.
Garrett’s life as a professional public servant would lead him to become a Deputy Sheriff for the City of Portsmouth Virginia. As Deputy Williams, he was known for his commanding cadence as he opened the court session. His opening delivery: “All Rise”, was done like no other and widely recognized. Deputy Williams always saw the best in people and treated everyone fairly. From time to time, he’d run into former inmates who would thank him for the positive words and encouragement that he extended. He officially retired after 20 years in 2009.
By chance encounter, Garrett met the love of his life while both were employed at the Naval Supply Center. His best friend, Downs used to ride the work bus with Joyce from Cavalier Manor and asked if he could introduce her to his best friend, Garrett. She declined but fate would intervene. One fine day, they literally ran into each other, papers were flying everywhere. As he was helping Joyce pick her papers up off the floor, he was smitten. He knew that they would love each other for the rest of their lives. Their love and devotion for one another is timeless, with their union being blessed to see 57 years.
One Sunday morning while visiting Friendship Baptist Church, Garrett gave his life to the Lord. He was so ready to start his relationship with God. He went on to be baptized and served on the Trustee and Usher boards.
Garrett loved spending time with his family, eating and preparing good food, watching westerns, Family Feud, and sports. He was always eager to share stories of wisdom and encouragement, his many accomplishments and of the good people he met along the way. He would often tell his family, “I’ve lived a good life; I never imagined that this would be my life.” He said, to sit in a room and feel love, happiness, and support from a group that I can call my family is better than I ever dreamed’. He accredited this life to his wife Joyce. “I never would have had this life without her and I’m thankful he would say.”
He was predeceased in death by his parents and grandson Joshua.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Joyce, sons Garrett Williams III(Teneka) and Anthony Craig, daughters Felicia Wilson (Charles), DaRelle Williams (Ernest) and Terrie Muhammad; grandchildren Isaiah Wilson, Shatoria Gwynn, Serena Wilson, Taylor Wilson, Jamal Burris, Nafis Muhammad, Nya Muhammad and Simone Williams; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
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Pamela Smith-Jordan says
October 25, 2023 at 2:11 amJoyce and family I’m really sorry for your loss. Words can’t express my sincere condolences. May God be with you and family in your time of sorrow.
Love Pain Sue
keisha Mcbride says
October 25, 2023 at 9:58 amDarelle,
Praying for your family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Love,
Keisha
David Moore says
October 25, 2023 at 10:11 amI never had the chance to meet him but from the amazing things I’ve heard I missed the chance to meet a great man may your soul find eternal peace and my sincere condolences and prayers for the Williams family during this difficult time you must face to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of our God so he has found his eternal peace.
Elizabeth Godley says
October 25, 2023 at 1:50 pmFirst of all so sorry for your loss to the Williams Family . I am so honored to have met this wonderful man Garrett he was put here to serve his country among other things as serving the public.. I often seen him coming by his mother in laws home Grace Haskins God rest her soul to check up on her before her passing taking her to the stores making sure all is good at the home and was such the nicest human you can ever know. Now he has been called home for eternal peace . God Bless the family I will never forget all of you.
Elizabeth Guerrero says
October 25, 2023 at 1:51 pmFirst of all so sorry for your loss to the Williams Family . I am so honored to have met this wonderful man Garrett he was put here to serve his country among other things as serving the public.. I often seen him coming by his mother in laws home Grace Haskins God rest her soul to check up on her before her passing taking her to the stores making sure all is good at the home and was such the nicest human you can ever know. Now he has been called home for eternal peace . God Bless the family I will never forget all of you.
Lt. Col. Dorothy Dildy-Clemons says
October 26, 2023 at 10:43 amMy condolences to the ” Garrett Williams Family”. For I was a Bailiff along with Dep. Garrett who taught me about securing my Courtroom and making it safe for all. And yes! It was only Garrett who could open #3 Courtroom up with “All Rise, Court is now in session”. We at the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office graciously, Thank you for your service. God has now called you home to stand, and Open for him.
Lisa Moore Bailey says
October 26, 2023 at 1:42 pmThank you for your dedicated service, Sir! It was a pleasure to work with you at the Portsmouth Judicial Circuit. Take your rest; well done! My condolences to Mrs. Williams, and entire family.
Lisa Clinton says
October 26, 2023 at 6:45 pmI had the pleasure of working with Garrett at the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office and later while working with probation. I can still hear him say, “All rise!” He was a wonderful person and a true professional. Godspeed Garrett.
Jerry Price says
October 27, 2023 at 12:43 amMy sincere condolences to the family. Your Father led a good and blessed life, he will be missed but he has moved onto a better place. May he rest in heavenly peace. ❤️🙏🏿
Kim Christopher says
October 27, 2023 at 1:44 pmI met Mr. Williams on a few occasions and what I saw was his genuine care for people…always making sure everyone was okay!!!
His daughter Darelle and I, are sisters at heart, and she would keep m stomach in stitches when she talked about her dad or as she would say. “MY DADDY”! Heaven has gained a fine GENTLEman in Mr. Williams! FAMILY, you have sooooo many wonderful memories and it is those memories that will see you through!!! Continue to look to the hills. Love to you all!!!💕🙏🏽