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His generosity, kindness, and willingness to serve others left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and community.

Jimmie Lee Williams was born in Boyle, Mississippi, on October 30, 1946, to the late Ethel Lee Chatman-Williams and the late Ephron Linzy.

Jimmie passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter and caregiver, Shelia, in Cleveland, Mississippi, at the age of 79.

Jimmie accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at United Baptist Church in Cleveland, Mississippi. He continued his membership under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Sammie Rash, where he enjoyed singing in the Male Chorus and leading his favorite song, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”  He also served on the Board of Trustees at United Baptist. He later moved his membership to St. Peter’s Rock M.B. Church to be with his daughter, where he faithfully served on the Deacon Board.

Jimmie attended Nailor Elementary School and East Side High School. He later obtained his GED. He was a very confident and outgoing person who never met a stranger. He enjoyed traveling, cooking meals for family and friends, and preparing food for anyone who requested his services.

Jimmie began working at the tender age of 13 to help support his mother and siblings. He began his working career at Terry Farms, where he trained and groomed horses for competitions, which allowed him to travel throughout the South. In 1974, he began working for Baxter Travenol as a janitor and later became a supervisor. After 18 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1992 to begin his journey as an entrepreneur. That same year, he started JW Cleaning and Maintenance Co., providing residential and commercial cleaning services for more than 30 years.

Jimmie had a love for cooking and was known for his down-home, country-style flavor. In 1993, Jimmie opened Country Platter restaurant with his business partner, Elbert Smith, where he served as the primary cook for 29 years. His cooking received recognition from numerous food magazines and newspapers. Everyone raved about his smothered pork steak and gravy, which became a staple at the restaurant.

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Jimmie faithfully opened the restaurant’s doors to the community, serving hot, delicious meals and giving toys and gifts to children. He continued this tradition until the restaurant closed in 2022.

“We want to help anyone who is in need of clothes, food, gifts, or just kind words to help them get through the day.”

In recognition of his service and dedication to the community, Jimmie received the Governor’s Humanitarian Award under Governor Ronnie Musgrove.

Jimmie exemplified a strong work ethic and possessed an unwavering dedication to helping others throughout his life. He was especially compassionate toward children and the elderly. His day was not complete if he had not helped someone along the way. His generosity, kindness, and willingness to serve others left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and community.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Lee Chatman-Williams and Ephron Linzy; and siblings, J.W. Williams, W.D. Chatman, Janet Williams, and Mary Williams-Neal.

Jimmie leaves to cherish his fond memories two daughters, Shelia F. Williams of Cleveland, Mississippi, and Breanna Aromire (Tobi) of Houston, Texas; six sons, Milton Williams of Houston, Texas, Perry Williams of Cleveland, Mississippi, Chris Williams of Puyallup, Washington, Stevon Williams (Chonita) of Federal Way, Washington, Carl Williams (Phyllis) of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Ronald Nichols of Stone Mountain, Georgia; brothers, Rodney Williams of Cleveland, Mississippi, Tommie Williams (Sharon) of O’Fallon, Missouri, William Anderson, Jr., Charles Williams (Pam), Joseph Williams, Clyde Williams, and James Williams, all of Kansas City, Missouri, and Ephron Linzy, Barry Linzy, and Artie Linzy, all of Toledo, Ohio; five sisters, Linda Jackson of Sylvania, Ohio, Marlene Linzy and Emma Linzy, both of Toledo, Ohio, and Hattie Ward and Annie Hargrove, both of Kansas City, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friend