Michael A. Williams

Michael (Spike) A. Williams, 63, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, February 21st, 2019, at Mercy Health's Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford, IL. Mike was the oldest of 4 children born to Charles C. and Alline (Johnson) Williams on April 16, 1955. He was also the oldest of Archie & Edna (Hayden) Johnson's 30 grandchildren. Mike graduated from Freeport High School in 1973. He worked in factories (including Structo/Thermos and Honeywell) until his physical health prevented him from working. As a young child Mike attended St. Paul Baptist Church. He was also taken to St. James C.M.E. Church by his foster grandmother, Mrs. Carrie Blair. Mike was a proud, independent man, who was well loved and loved well in return. His quiet, easy-going spirit and personality will be what his family and friends remember and cherish the most. Michael leaves to cherish his memory a sister, Paulette Williams Thomas; his only niece, Lindsey Thomas; his aunts and uncles, Jimmy Johnson, Robert (Lauren) Johnson, Doris Wright, Joyce Boggess, Edna Earl (Michael) Smith, Paulette Johnson, Ethel Johnson and Martha Ann Johnson. He is also survived by a host of cousins (more like siblings), and friends. We give thanks to Mike's special friends, Gary Edison, Brian Livingston, Roosevelt Banks Jr, Wilford Robinson, Brad Canada and Michael Stebbins who visited him both at home and at the hospital. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Charles & Alline; maternal grandparents, Archie (Mary) Johnson and Edna Johnson. Paternal grandparents, Charles & Edna (White) Williams; Siblings Laura and Bradley; Uncles John Frazier, Daniel Johnson, Billy Johnson and Neil Williams; Aunts Emma Cleaver, Caretha Burkhardt, and Laura Mae Johnson. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 11:00 AM. The service will be held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev. Antwon Funches Sr. is Pastor. There will be a visitation from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be at Freeport City Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport.