"Go ye into all the world…" Mark 16:15

Chester Williams: PhD, Executive Missionary and Director, devoted husband and father. These are the titles of a humble and dynamic man of faith and action who peacefully departed this world on Sunday, February 9, 2025 with his wife, Sandra Sims-Williams and son, James Williams by his side.

Dr. Williams was born February 17, 1940 in Valls Creek, West Virginia to the late Marthena Williams, a single mother. Later in life he met his biological father, the late James Hill. He was raised in a Christian home through the Christian Methodist Tradition (CME) during which he was a member of the St. John's CME Church in Akron, OH.

Dr. Williams obtained a B.A. from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL and a B.A. in Sociology from Greenville College, Greenville, IL. He then continued his educational journey and earned an M.A. in Sociology from New York School of Social Research, New York, NY and his Ph.D. in Sociology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. During his career he taught at Rutgers University, Douglass College, New York Community College, Brooklyn College and Boston University, School of Theology (Stanley E. Jones resident professor). His calling ultimately led him to serve as a leader in creating a non-traditional missionary strategy starting in Senegal, West Africa and then in Sunyani, Ghana. For over 35 years Dr. Williams has been at the helm of the Inner City and Africa Ministries (ICAM).

After his teaching career, ICAM became the main focus in his ministerial work providing medical, educational, building supplies and more importantly fresh water by building bore holes for the needy in the villages around Sunyani, Ghana where the village Chief awarded him 35 acres of land (Canaan) and asked him "to stay and build on my land." He did just that, achieving so much with a small dedicated group of believers who followed his leadership. Together they enhanced a village school, Sandra's Sister Circle School of Excellence. Starting with 45 students, the school grew to its present day capacity of 235 students. He facilitated the building of 48 structures on this gifted land including the Mission Institute where others have and will continue to be trained to spread the gospel, a health clinic, a computer training room, and the ICAM market to name a few. The vision for ICAM has been developed over a 40 year period addressing issues and needs of the people. This was his continued hope for ICAM that is built on a solid foundation of service: "working for the good of others."

Dr. Williams is survived by his wife, Sandra Sims-Williams, and son, James H. Williams who love and cherish him, and are committed to his ICAM vision.

Donations to his beloved ICAM will help continue the work of Dr. Williams

Donations can be made via Zelle. Input Chester Williams as the name and [email protected] as the email recipient.

All contributions are tax deductible.