Robert Williams

Robert Lee Williams was born on August 2, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Wallace and Maggie Williams. He was the fifth of nine children, growing up in a home filled with love, faith, and the soulful rhythms of music. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, four of his brothers—Wallace Jr., George, Clarence, and Rudolph—and all three of his sisters: Annalee, Mildred, and Beatrice. He is survived by his younger brother, Carl.

From an early age, it was clear that Robert had a rare and remarkable gift. At just six years old, he began playing the piano by ear, and by the age of twelve, he was skillfully playing gospel hymns that would touch hearts for generations. Determined to refine his God-given talent, Robert took formal lessons at Lyon Healy Van De Cook Schools and continued under the guidance of Mrs. Whaler of Ebenezer Baptist Church and Maude Kelley. Inspired by his older brother Wallace Jr., a jazz pianist who played with the legendary Billie Holiday, Robert charted a different path—one of spiritual devotion—vowing to dedicate his music exclusively to the glory of God.

Robert’s musical journey truly took flight during his years at Manley High School (Chicago Public School), where he played gospel music with grace and reverence. At just 16 years old, he was invited to accompany a newly formed community choir led by Rev. Milton Brunson. That choir would go on to become the renowned Thompson Community Singers, affectionately known as “The Tommies.” Robert served as the group’s first pianist, shaping their sound with his expressive and soulful touch. For over two decades (1948–1970), he traveled the country, performing at iconic venues such as the Apollo Theater, Madison Square Garden, McCormick Place, and Christ Universal Temple. His music uplifted audiences from coast to coast, including performances in Washington, D.C., Detroit, Oakland, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Topeka.

Robert was featured on several of The Tommies' landmark recordings, including the 1969 Gold Award-winning album “I Trade a Lifetime,” where his masterful piano playing graced the title track featuring Maggie Bell. He also performed regularly on the nationally broadcast Jubilee Showcase television program hosted by Sid Ordower, bringing gospel music into living rooms across America.

Throughout his life, Robert remained deeply rooted in faith and family. As a young boy, he often followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Matthew Williams, one of the founders of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago. This foundation of faith would guide him for the rest of his life. Robert was baptized at Metropolitan and went on to serve as the church’s devoted pianist for over 50 years. His music was more than accompaniment—it was ministry, moving congregants and deepening worship every Sunday. In 2000, he joined Freedom Baptist Church in Hillside, Illinois, under the leadership of Rev. Craig Melvin Smith, continuing his service as pianist with unwavering commitment until his health declined in 2020.

Robert shared the stage with many of gospel music’s most revered figures, including James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Mahalia Jackson, Walter Hawkins, Albertina Walker, Andraé Crouch, Maceo Woods, and Dorothy Norwood, among others. His contributions to gospel music were celebrated at the 2005 Chicago Gospel Festival in Millennium Park, where he was honored as a Gospel Pioneer—a fitting tribute to his enduring impact.

In 1952, while working as a delivery clerk for Kaplan Grocery Store, Robert had a regular delivery stop at the home of R.H. Harris and Jeanette Harris. One day, during one of those routine deliveries, R.H. introduced Robert to a beautiful young woman from Danville, Virginia—Mozella A. Price, Jeanette’s sister. From the moment their eyes met, Robert knew she was the one. It was truly love at first sight. Captivated by her grace and spirit, Robert later confided that he knew, even then, that she would one day become his wife.

Seeing how naturally they connected, R.H. encouraged Mozella to attend a rehearsal of the Thompson Community Singers at St. Stephen AME Church, just a short distance from where she lived with her sister and brother-in-law, the Harris’s. As Robert and Mozella began spending more time together, their friendship quickly turned into love—built on shared faith, a deep respect for one another, and a passion for music. It didn’t take long before Robert knew she was the one. On January 1, 1953, they were married, beginning a lifelong journey together. What started with a grocery delivery turned into over 70 years of love, faith, family, and commitment—a union that stood as a shining example of devotion.

God blessed their marriage with six daughters. From an early age, Robert taught each of his girls not only how to sing gospel music, but also how to serve with purpose and joy. He poured his heart into guiding them, forming The Williams Family, a gospel group that would go on to sing across the city and on television, including the Isabell Joseph Johnson Gospel Program. Through their voices, Robert’s legacy of faith and music lived on—touching hearts just as he always had with his own hands at the piano.

Robert’s love for his family was as deep and unwavering as his love for God. He was a devoted husband, a nurturing and protective father, a proud grandfather, and a dependable presence in the lives of everyone who knew him. As a provider, he gave generously of himself—working for many years as a manager at S. Bloom Inc., a distribution and warehouse company. His commitment was unmatched—he never missed a single day of work until the day he retired.

His legacy lives on in the hearts and voices of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—many of whom continue to carry the gift of music and the foundation of faith that he so faithfully poured into his family.

Robert leaves behind his beloved wife of 72 years, Mozella A. Williams, and his brother, Carl Williams (Alberda, deceased). He is also survived by his six daughters: Barbara (Bennie) Fernandez, Monisa (Larry) Johnson, Rashon (Cordell) Harding, Robin (Thomas, deceased) Zdanczyk, Nanette Williams, Larissa (Alejandro) Echevarria.  He also leaves to cherish his memory: 11 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 4 step great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, 2 honorary grandchildren, as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and fellow musicians whose lives were touched by his talent, faith, and kindness.

Robert Lee Williams lived a life of purpose, faith, and harmony. His music was his ministry, and through it, he brought joy, healing, and inspiration to thousands. We thank God for the extraordinary life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that will echo in every chord, every hymn, and every heart he touched.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

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