By OBSERVER Newsroom

The funeral services for Rev. Ephraim Williams, a beloved community leader and Pastor Emeritus, were held at Saint Paul Church of Sacramento on December 4. The ceremony, officiated by Pastor Kenneth R. Reece, was attended by more than 2,000 people made up of family, friends, and community members who gathered to honor his life and legacy.

Remarks were made by notable figures such as Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Dr. Margaret Fortune, President/CEO of Fortune School and a host of faith leaders — all of whom looked up to Rev. Williams as a mentor and leader.

Rev. Ephraim Williams’ robe sits in the pulpit as choir members and clergy surround it during his funeral service. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER
Rev. Ephraim Williams’ robe sits in the pulpit as choir members and clergy surround it during his funeral service. Louis Bryant III, OBSERVER

Memorable remarks during the celebration were made by longtime Saint Paul executive pastor Lamont Harris and former Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. Harris, who worked alongside Rev. Williams for nearly 40 years, spoke passionately about how Rev. Williams was a patriarchal pastor to thousands of people in Sacramento.

“I suspect that if I was to ask if anybody would like to come down and share your experience (with Rev. Williams) … people would run over each other to get to the front,” Harris said. 

Longtime Saint Paul executive pastor Lamont Harris gives a passionate tribute to Rev. Williams during his memorial service. Harris worked alongside Rev. Williams for nearly 40 years. Robert Maryland, OBSERVER
Longtime Saint Paul executive pastor Lamont Harris gives a passionate tribute to Rev. Williams during his memorial service. Harris worked alongside Rev. Williams for nearly 40 years. Robert Maryland, OBSERVER

Former Mayor Johnson spoke about his unique relationship with Rev. Williams particularly during his high-profile years as an NBA all-star and mayor of Sacramento. Johnson humorously shared how Rev. Williams told him he would intentionally mispronounce his name in public because he was “just trying to keep (Johnson) humble.”

Additional  tributes were given by Rev. ​ Glenn Shields and Dr. Claybon Lea, with a family tribute from Dr. Jackie Williams. ​ A video tribute showcased Rev. Williams’ impactful life. Dr. Fred Campbell of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Redwood City delivered the celebration message.