Honoring a Life Well Lived
In Loving Memory of Charles H. Williams Jr.
Join us as we commemorate the life of Charles H. Williams Jr. through this live stream, allowing friends and family to gather in spirit and remembrance.
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Celebration of Life
Celebrating Charles H. Williams Jr.
This live stream provides an opportunity for those unable to attend in person to be part of this special occasion, celebrating the life and legacy of a remarkable individual.
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A Tribute to Charles
Welcome to the virtual memorial for Charles H. Williams Jr.
We gather here today to remember and celebrate the extraordinary life he led. This live stream allows us to come together, despite the distance, to share stories, reflect on cherished memories, and honor Charles’ legacy. Your presence, whether virtual or in person, is a testament to the impact Charles had on all of us. Thank you for being part of this meaningful tribute.
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Let us unite in spirit to honor Charles H. Williams Jr.’s incredible journey.
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Obituary from St Paul Pioneer Press
Charles H Williams Jr. OBITUARY
WILLIAMS Charles H. Jr Age 95 of Saint Paul, Passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at his home in Saint Paul, MN.
Preceded in death by his parents Dr. Charles H. Williams, Sr. and Laura Williams, daughter Madeline Claire, and siblings Donald, Marion, Anne Marie and Stephen.
Charles is survived by his loving children Charles III (Rachel), Paul (Mickey), Daniel and son-in-law Jorge Delgado; siblings Stanley, Martin, Regina, Thomas and Francis; and grandchildren Tony, Cole, Marcus, Aaron, Kayla, Jordan, Jesse and Jadyn.
Charles was born in Chicago, IL and, after relocating to Saint Paul, grew up in the historic Rondo neighborhood.
He attended and graduated from John Marshall High School and the University of St. Thomas where he was named the first black Mr. Tommy of 1958.
He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline Law School) and was admitted to the Bar in 1963.
He married Janet Magdeline Dittberner, his life-long singing partner, in August 1960 and raised four children in Saint Paul.
Charles was a US Army veteran, serving in active duty for three years during the Korean War and in the reserves for an additional 6 years. Charles will be remembered for his service to community, including three decades as a defense attorney and Ramsey County Public Defender, and 21 years as a dedicated and revered Family Court Referee for Minnesota’s 2nd Judicial District. Charles also served on numerous community boards, including the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, the National Bar Association, the Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers, William Mitchell College of Law and numerous other community boards and commissions.
He also helped to found and administer the St. Paul Urban Coalition, raising funds to help hundreds of inner-city students of color attend college throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
His faith was evident in his service to the Catholic Church, both through his music with Janet Williams and the pioneering “Friends and Relatives” music group as well as his work as a cantor at St. Peter Claver Church and a regular performer at the “Red Mass” at St. Thomas University.
Charles’ rich baritone voice was unmistakable and widely admired.
He was a leader in the growth of the conference of Black Catholics and a trusted and sought-after advisor throughout the Diocese and the broader community.
In the words of the Bahamian spiritual, “we bid you goodnight”, Charles, with respect and gratitude for the hard work, dedication and service you provided to so many communities.
Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, April 21st, 11:00AM at St. Peter Claver Church in St. Paul, with a visitation beginning at 9:00AM that morning.
Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, following the celebration of life.
Memorials preferred to Hallie Q. Brown Community Center or Mitchell Hamline Law School.