John Calvin Williams

John Calvin Williams, 79, passed away on March 4, 2026.

John C. Williams was born on May 27, 1946, in Forkland, Alabama, to the late Howard Williams and Leona Williams. He passed away surrounded by the love and memories of family and friends who meant so much to him.

At an early age, John experienced the loss of both his mother and grandmother within months of each other. After their passing, he moved to Chicago, Illinois to live with his Aunt Annie Mae. While living in Chicago, John attended elementary school and high school, where he spent his formative years growing into the strong and resilient man many came to know and love.

John later moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he began building his life as a young adult. While living in Detroit, he married the late Patricia Burch, and he was the father of five children.

In October 1975, John moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where he began a new chapter in his life. In 1977, he met Mary Etta, who would later become his wife. At the time, John had five children and Mary had four children. They blended their families together and were married in March 1978, creating a family of nine children. John loved each of his children deeply and proudly spoke about all nine of them.

John carried great strength throughout his life and had a deep devotion to his faith. He was a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church in Pocatello, Idaho. He was also a proud member of the Portneuf Lodge, Ruth Chapter of the Eastern Star, and the Shriners.

His grandchildren include Danielle, Terisha, TJ, Johnnie, Patricia, and Kaden, who he loved spending time with making memories, fishing, and hunting.

John is survived by Mary Etta Williams; his children John (Shawna) Williams, Desirae (Terry) Saunders, Johnita (Vernon) Gordon, Richard Burch, LurShawn (Jamila) Williams, Lucy Mosely, Annette Childs, and David Childs; his sister Mary Rowser; brothers-in-law Johnnie (Miranda) Carroll and Cater (Priscilla) Carroll; sister-in-law Jessie McKenney; his grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Leona Williams; his son Roy E. Childs; his grandparents; five brothers Jimmy, Robert, Howard, Allen, and Ray Williams; sisters Carrie Mae White and Annie Little; brothers-in-law William “Bill” Carroll, Frank Rowser, and Sam White; sisters-in-law Jessie Michael and Marie (Bessie) Butler; and his aunt Annie Mae.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID. A viewing will be held prior beginning at 10:00 am. A graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 South 5th Ave., Pocatello, ID 83205 on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

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