Herbert Williams

Herbert Williams was born in Detroit , Michigan on July 13, 1929, as the second son of Martha and Raymond Williams. He had five siblings, his three beloved brothers were Thomas, Lenzie and Donald. His sisters, who he adored were Elizabeth ( Betty) and Martha.


From his upbringing on Bangor Street, Herb learned the immeasurable value of family , faith, education and hard work. The Williams’ house was filled with love , laughter and pranks of the young men of the family.


There were tales of young Herb, “borrowing his dad’s car” by quietly pushing it out of the garage and then starting it . He’d sneak off to parties as a young teen, though he had no license. Young Herb loved his flashy suits. He and his brothers would compete to be the best dressed, with the pointiest shoes or the “hippest” hats. Outdoing one another to be the best dressed and enjoying parties were some of the glimpses into his young life. However, those Saturday night parties, clothes and shenanigans always gave way to church on Sunday. In addition to his weekday job, Herb’s father was a Baptist minister and worshipping on Sunday mornings and their faith were always preeminent in their lives. From an early age until his passing, worship was a critical part of Herb’s life.


After graduating from Murray-Wright High School, Herb met and fell in love with Barbara Jean Talbot in October 1950, calling himself “ The luckiest man in the world”. Soon after their wedding on April 14, 1951, Herb was inducted into the army and he and Barbara moved to San Antonio, Texas . He was stationed at Fort Houston and served in the United States Army Dental Corps. While in Texas, Herbert and Barbara welcomed their first child, Herbert Douglas in September 1952. The next year after an honorable discharge from the Army, Herb and Barbara returned to Detroit where their second child, Harnetha Blythe Ann was born. They moved into their first home welcoming Barbara’s brothers, Douglas and Reginald and became a loving family of six . Barbara and her brothers lost both parents as young children, and Herbert and Barbara welcomed them and raised them as their own. It is a testament to Herb’s love for family that he openly welcomed and raised Doug and Reginald, along with two toddlers, while working for his family and pursuing his higher education. So close were they that Herb was more father than brother -in-law to them. Upon learning of Herb’s death Douglas said in his grief:

“Brother-in -law, father, friend, that’s what Herb Williams was to me and my brother Reginald. Herb guided Reggie and I through our teenage years to be responsible, productive and loving men.

Herb Williams- Brother-in Law
Herb Williams- Great Dad
Herb Williams- Friend.

I am Herb and Herb is Me! Rest easy Brother-in-law, Dad, Great Friend. I love you, Doug Talbot”

Herb dedicated himself to completing his education by attending Wayne State University and working two jobs at night . He received his Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1960 and soon thereafter became a teacher with Detroit Public Schools. Furthering his education, he continued at Wayne State University and received his Master’s degree in Education. Herb moved through the ranks of Detroit Public Schools becoming principal of Craft Elementary School, Woodward Elementary School and Von Stuben Middle School before retiring in 1994.


Herb’s work with his schools’ communities was recognized by organizations who honored him by bestowing numerous awards for his community outreach with organizations such as Project Pride. He believed education was the key to success for our youth, and dedicated his life to that mission. Even after retirement, he continued to serve as a substitute teacher well into his 80s.


Herb was active in his community and in his early church, St. Matthew’s – St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church he served in the Men’s Vestry. He was a Lifetime member of the NAACP, an active member of the NAACP “ Sip-In” Committee, and a member of the NAACP Million Dollar Club in 1988 and 1989. He was an active member of the Grand Prix Committee, and the Schultz Community Council. He was also an active and proud member of the Community Utilization of the Jewish Community Center, which led to the community’s acquisition of the Northwest Activity Center which is a pillar of the community to this day. He was appointed to and served two terms on the Michigan State Board for Libraries by two governors.


After the death of Barbara in 1995 and 43 years of marriage, Herb married Attorney Lanita Haith and continued his busy life, enjoying games of golf, travels to Jamaica, Hawaii, Paris, London, Spain and Greece. His all-time favorite vacation location was Hilton Head , South Carolina, where he loved to drive for visits and play golf from sun up to sun down. He also joined the Empowerment Church and became an active member, enjoying weekly breakfasts with men of the church, the comradery and the people of the church. He never missed a Sunday and loved retelling the sermons for all he visited every Sunday. Visiting family members and friends each week, checking up on everyone, driving until his last day, were all things he truly enjoyed.


He loved his family and friends, he began each day even if he was hospitalized, checking on everyone to make sure they were ok. Herb loved to laugh, was an avid golfer, a great bowler and played a wicked game of ping pong. He loved family gatherings and dinners and was a great dad and granddad; never missing a school performance or athletic event. For all who knew him , he was described as having a great sense of humor, and being generous, kind and loving. His beloved sister Martha described Herb as being one of the “most loving people” she ever knew, and said he “took care of her, her entire life, and would not start his day without a call to her to make sure she was ok, even when he was in the hospital himself.”


One of his last passions and accomplishments was becoming a published author. His first book, “ The Boy Who Wanted to Fly” about a family member who was a U.S. Naval Pilot and became a Rear Admiral was published in 2019. He was working on several other books at the time of his passing, and had also written an illustrated pamphlet he distributed to schools on How to Be a Good Parent. His children, Herb and Blythe, were ever grateful for his unselfish love, his tireless work for their family, and the values he instilled which included love for family, community, education, and the importance of faith. He was proud of all of his family, their accomplishments and loved them all very much.


Herbert Williams departed this life on November 30, 2020. He leaves to cherish his memory his former wife of seventeen years, Lanita Haith; his loving children: Herbert D. Williams ( Debbie), Harnetha Blythe Ann Jarrett ( Ernest); grandchildren: Hillary Strong ( Kent), Russell Jarrett ( Helena), Eric Jarrett, Herbert D. Williams, III, Ross Williams; great-grandchildren: Lincoln Strong, Macalister Strong; sisters Martha and Betty( Fred), brother Donald ( Mary), brothers Thomas E. and Lenzie ( deceased); infant brothers Raymond, Jr. and Clarence ( deceased); special brothers-in-laws/ son Douglas Talbot ( Linda), Reginald Talbot ( deceased); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family , church members and friends.


Herbert Williams is mourned by many who loved him for the many things he was, but as they grieve and celebrate his life , they will remember him most for being one true thing: Herbert Williams was a great man dedicated to education, his family and his community.