Dr. David L. Williams Jr.

OBITUARY

Dr. David L. Williams, Jr. was born on August 14, 1935, to Reverend David L. Williams, Sr. and Naomi Singleton Williams in Washington, D.C. He was raised in a loving, Christian family along with his two brothers, Roland and Elliott and his sister, Rosalie. Growing up David attended Turner Memorial AME Church and participated in many youth activities.

David received his education in the D.C. Public Schools. Following graduation from Cardoza High School, he matriculated to D.C. Teachers College. David starred as quarterback on the varsity football team proudly wearing the number 17. In his senior year, he broke his pinky finger, so he was benched for the remainder of the year. David received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education and then taught for seven years in the D.C. Public Schools. After working for the federal government for two years, he won a Follow Through Award and enrolled in graduate school at the University of Florida in Gainesville. David majored in Curriculum and Instruction and received his Master of Education. He decided to take the next step and pursue a Doctor of Education, which he received in 1972.

From Florida he moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, to teach in the Department of Elementary Education and the Institute for Ethnic Studies at the University of Nebraska. After accepting a position as Director of the Early Childhood Division with Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL), he moved his family to Austin. At the time of his retirement, David was holding the position of Vice President: Program for Refining Educational Partnerships. Following retirement, he served as a consultant to federal, state, and local agencies and private nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Williams authored numerous publications and articles. He conducted more than 80 workshops and seminars for parents, teachers, school administrations, university faculty, and community representatives throughout the United States. He has received numerous awards for his achievements in the field of education and for his community volunteerism.

David was a family man, and his world revolved around his family. He was blessed to be the father of five beautiful girls. Someone once asked him what it is like to have five girls, and he responded, "It's adventuresome, hazardous, rewarding, troubling, challenging, and insightful.” Despite all of this, they were still the apple of his eye, and he adored each one of them.

A longtime and loyal member of Wesley United Methodist Church, David was a member of the Music Ministry and sang in the Intergenerational Choir. He could always be found in the choir loft on Sunday mornings. David was also a member of United Methodist Men.

For many years, he was a runner and played basketball weekly. He enjoyed listening to “good music” which he defined as soul and jazz, with little gospel on the side. After retirement most days he could be found at the gym working out and enjoying conversations with many of the staff as well as other members. Another part of his daily routine was to check out the financial and business news. He loved plants and enjoyed the piddly kinds of yard work.

Some of his professional activities included Member of the Editorial Board, The Journal of At-Risk Issues, Chair, Commission on Family Ties Association of Teacher Educators, Secretary/Treasurer Families as Educators Special Interest Group of the American Research Association, Austin ISD Office Education Advisory Committee, Member and Vice President of the Austin Northwest Recreation Center’s Advisory Board, and Member of the Austin Community College’s Center’s Advisory Board. He was also a member of Leadership Austin.

His professional affiliations included American Educational Research Association, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Society for the Study of Education, Association of Teacher Educators, and Phi Delta Kappa. While a student at Teacher’s College, he was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He was also a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (the Boulé).

Dr. David L. Williams, Jr. completed his earthly journey and entered his eternal rest on Sunday, September 13, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. David L. Williams, Sr., and Naomi Singleton Williams, son, Tyrone Taylor, brothers Elliott Williams and Roland Williams, sister, Rosalie Williams Green, and brother-in-law Robert Moore. He leaves to cherish his precious memories and celebrate his extraordinary legacy, his devoted wife, Dr. Gloria L. Williams. Loving daughters, Cheryl Creuzot (Percy III), Donna Lindsay, Andrea Williams-Hart, Davida Allen (Curtis), and Wanda Williams. Grandchildren: Percy Creuzot, IV (Tiffany), Coline Creuzot Bourgeois (Jason), Philippe Creuzot, John Curtis Allen, Evan Allen, Chloe Lindsay, and Michael Darwin (Ross). Great grandchildren: Elise Creuzot, Mireille Bourgeois, Jacques Bourgeois, and Hunter Nicole Darwin.

David is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas W. Moore, Jr., and sisters-in-law, Dr. Elaine Eatman and Dr. Monica Allen. In addition, survivors include nieces Chanel Williams, Marcia Green, and Maria Green; godchildren, Dr. Konata Childs and Tia Roebucks; and cousins, The Honorable Betty Williams, Clara E. Richardson, Furman Brown, and a host of other relatives, extended family members, and friends. David fought the good fight, David finished the race, and David kept the faith.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, David’s daughters have established, in partnership with the Gamma Gamma Boule Foundation, the “Dr. David L. Williams, Jr. Scholarship," to assist high school-male graduates with their college expenses. Tax-deductible donations to this scholarship may be made:

1. Online via Zelle using the registered email—ggboulefoundation@gmail.com

2. Online via PayPal to Gamma Gamma Boule Foundation, or

3. By check via USPS to Gamma Gamma Boule Foundation, P.O. Box 26099, Austin, Texas 78755

PLEASE IDENTIFY AND NOTE THAT YOUR DONATION IS FOR THE “Dr. David L. Williams, Jr. Scholarship” when submitting a donation.

Thank you,
Cheryl Creuzot, Donna Lindsay, Andrea Williams-Hart, Davida Allen, and Wanda Williams