Bishop Cornelius Williams

Cornelius Williams was born on October 24, 1947, in Winter Garden, Florida, to Nelson and Anna Williams. He attended and graduated from Charles R. Drew High School in 1965. Shortly atter graduation, Cornelius enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he taithtully served tour years of active duty and two years in the reserves. During his time in the military, he returned home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Hazel Rodgers, after a brief but meaningful courtship and three-month engagement in 1969. To this union, tive beautitul children were born. In addition, one Island faughter was lovingly and strategically placed into the Williams home and In December of 1971, Cornelius answered the call to ministry and begar serving by teaching Sunday school. His dedication to the work of the Lorc continued to grow, and in August 1976, he was ordained as a Deacon, taithtully serving the local church as both Business Treasurer and Church Clerk. By July 1978, Deacon Williams accepted the call to preach the Gospe and was appointed Pastor of Orange Center Church of God of Prophec (OC COGOP). His leadership and commitment to the ministry led to his ordination as a Bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy in 1994, where he continued to faithfully serve as not only Pastor, but counselor, mentor, confidant, and friend. In 2004, Bishop Williams was appointed District Overseer of ten churches. In addition to this responsibility, he served in several key leadership roles, including State Presbyter, Administrative Assistant to the State Bishop, Camp SonShine Committee Chairman, member of the Ministerial Review Board, and member of the State Finance Committee. While faithfully serving in the spiritual realm, Bishop Williams also maintained a dedicated secular career. After 37 years of service, he retired in 2011 as a Plant Manufacturing Manager at Foamex LP of Central Florida. In 2013, Bishop Williams began experiencing health challenges; however, this in no way deterred his dedication to ministry. With the unwavering support of his loving family, he persevered through every step of the healing process while remaining committed to the work God had called him to do. In 2015, Bishop Williams expanded his outreach by serving as Chaplain for the local church neighborhood and HOA. His presence and influence vere widely felt throughout the community. He was well known in local schools, parks, and businesses, always ottering encouragement, prayer, and spiritual guidance to those he encountered. In 2018, as OC COGOP celebrated Bishop Williams' 40 plus years of astoral leadership, he received several notable honors. He was inductec into the African American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC). The City _ommissioner presented him with a key to the City and was turthe onored with the proclamation of September 9th as "Bishop Cornelius Williams Day" within the OC COGOP community. In December 2022, Bishop Williams suffered a hemorrhagic stroke which led to his official retirement as Pastor of OC COGOP. Though his role as Pastor concluded, his heart for ministry never wavered. He continued to serve in whatever capacity he could to advance the Kingdom of God. On February 26, 2026, Bishop Williams experienced a massive hemorrhagic stroke that would ultimately claim his lite ten days later. Surrounded by the love and prayers of his wife, children, and State sishop, he peacetully transitioned trom labor to reward. Though his earthly Journey has ended, the legacy of Bishop Cornelius Williams will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched, the church he faithfully shepherded, I, and the tamily he loved so deeply. His life stands as a testament of unwavering faith, humble leadership, and steadfast devotion to God. Truly, he fought a good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith. Throughout his life, Bishop Williams was known as a devoted husband, loving father, wise leader, and faithful servant of God. He carried a deep passion for the work of the ministry and for the people he was called to Serve in God. Was mer ped cy huntea, ded counseling an leadering Bishop Williams always sought to encourage others to trust in the promises of God and live a life pleasing to Him. Bishop Williams always sought to encourage others to trust in the promises of God and live a lite pleasing to him. At the heart of Bishop Williams' life was his love for his family. He children, taking great pride in their accomplishments and freteran-service to the Lord. His home was a place of love, wisdom, laughter, and spiritual guidance. Bishop Williams leaves behind a legacy of taith, leadership, and service that will continue to impact generations to come. His lite stands as a testimony of dedication to God, commitment to family, and faithful service to the church and community. Though he has transitioned from this earthly life, his influence, teachings, and the love he shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. One of his favorite scriptures reminds us: "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." ~ Lamentations 3:22-23 He was preceded in death by: his daughter, Atasha D. Williams; oarents, Nelson and Anna Williams; brothers: Aurelius Williams, Nelsor . Williams, Robert Lewis Williams, and Norris Thompson; sisters, Cora Lee Brown and Dorothy Perry. He leaves to cherish and honor his memory: his wite, Hazel R. Williams of Orlando, Florida; children: Aurelius D. Williams, Sr. (Stephanie) of Ocoee, Florida, Natasha V. W. Davis (W. Rick) of Sorrento, Florida, Sherron C. Williams (Tatiana) of Kissimmee, Florida, Roderick J. Williams (Elizabeth) of Orlando, Florida, and Monique D. Burnett of Coders mida ten anandia host or reaganes neen 5, Cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Tributes

Bishop Cornelius Williams

October 24, 1947 - March 8, 2026