Cory Vaughn Williams – June 6, 1974 – December 25, 2014

Cory Vaughn Williams COLUMBIA Cory Vaughn Williams, 40, of Columbia, husband of Rebecca Wicker Williams, passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014. He was born June 6, 1974, in Bronx, NY, a son of Adolphus F. Williams, Sr. and Faye Smith. He was an IT Specialist. Surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are two daughters, Gabrielle and Kyra Williams; three sisters, Leslie Scott, Adriene Chisolm, and Alexis Chambers; and his brother, Adolphus F. Williams, Jr. The family will be holding a Life Celebration service on Saturday, January 3, 2015, from 2 p.m. 5 p.m. to be held at Stone River located at 121 Alexander Road in West Columbia (formerly New Orleans Restaurant). Remembrances will begin at 2:30 p.m.

There is never a good time for sorrow. Tragedy can occur anywhere at any time to anyone. The grief occurs to those most affected by the loss of their loved ones. I was asked this weekend to attend the celebration of a beloved son, husband, father and friend by a very close family of mine. I considered it a privilege and honor. I broke contact with some good people because of my own selfish purposes. I regretted what I did. But, in a remarkable way God worked out things for His good. Not only was I invited but while there to say a brief prayer of celebration! I did all I could not to overextend my celebratory prayer of life about Cory. God calls us to do certain works. He puts people along our paths to share our walks in life with each other at certain times for certain reasons that we may never know. Hopefully, we were able to learn from the experience. Some people dwell on the future of the journey instead of the present and miss the moments. This particular family focused on the moments and in return they have a bright future, mainly due to the matriarch who raised her children with love and fairness as foundations and passed on to the grandchildren. She was stern and fair but taught them respect, pride and self-esteem. Indeed, nothing was impossible for them to achieve. She deserves all the blessings she receives. It was also a time to see old friends and family. Sometimes, it takes it takes a tragedy to bring people back together. Cory will surely be missed.