Ishmael James Williams (Benji), beloved husband of Palmera (Sinclair) of Dorchester Center, MA died peacefully on January 11, 2026, after a brief illness.

Ishmael was born on March 17, 1936, in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica to James and Asheba (Brown) Williams.

On September 10, 1962, he and Palmera were married. After the births of their first four children, Palmera came to Massachusetts in search of better opportunities for their family. In 1969, Ishmael followed, arriving in Boston where their two youngest sons were born.

He worked for several years as a carpenter and handy man. After his retirement, he spent many hours with his grandchildren, driving them to and from school, and watching cartoons. He also assisted his children with their DIY home projects, was a Deacon at his church, and participated on the board of his condo association. In his free time, he enjoyed watching his favorite movies and television shows; he was especially fond of Perry Mason, The Lone Ranger, Front Room, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and The A-Team. He loved to play dominos with friends, spend time outdoors, and listen to both gospel and reggae music.

He is survived by his children Joy, Kenrick (Stacey), Shirley, Martin, Jacqueline Johnson (Harry), Allan (Victoria), and Steven (Allison); his grandchildren Ishma, Jessika (Kenneth), Vanessa (Edwin), Christian, Sadiya, Brianna, Ashley, Sage, Oliver, Alexander, Jason, Timothy, Madelyn, and Eleanor; and his great-grandchildren Silas, Kennedy McKanders, and Julius McKanders; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In remembrance of Ishmael's life, his family asks that any charitable donations be made to The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 0213, to celebrate his love of gardening and the outdoors.