Obituary
John Mitchell Williams, 87, of Ocala, Florida died on August 18, 2023.
John was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 14, 1936 to Agnes Brooks Williams and Raymond Williams. He graduated from Towson High School in 1954, followed by Towson State Teachers College (B.S.), Loyola College (M. Ed., 1964), Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland (Ph. D., 1971, J. D. 1974).
John spent his adult life in dedication to family, public education, and community, joining Army National Guard, and serving as a teacher, psychologist, and attorney. He actively engaged in serving students and families within the Baltimore County Public Schools and provided pro bono legal services to community agencies. He was devoted to his three daughters from his marriage to Janet Via, with whom he retained a lifelong friendship, and to his grandchildren who knew him as “Poppy John.” John married Bonita Kreimer Williams in 1982 and enjoyed a loving marriage for over 40 years. In 1995 he and Bonnie retired to Ocala, Florida where he was a treasured neighbor and friend. John was a lifelong learner, world traveler, and lover of history, nature, language, art, and music. There was always music, whether he was participating in college theater, Glee Club, or Cor Cymraeg Rehoboth Welsh Choir, or having his girls sing a capella for friends and family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend.
John is survived by his wife, Bonita (Bonnie) Kreimer Williams, his daughters Valerie Jane Brennan, Melanie Jean McHale, and Stephanie Jo Williams Cellucci, their mother Janet Marie Via, and five grandchildren (Dylan Brennan, Hailey Brennan, Patrick McHale, Fiona Seibert, and Benjamin Cellucci.) He is also survived by his sisters Jill Storey, Melissa Harrah, and Michelle Summerville. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Agnes and Raymond Williams, and brothers Roger Williams and Daniel Williams.
A private memorial will be held at a later date. Family and friends are encouraged to celebrate John’s life by sharing memories or singing a song. If desired, donations may be made in John’s memory to Gunpowder Valley Conservancy or Hospice of Marion County, Ocala, Florida.
J. Williams