Henry Duke Williams

Henry Duke Williams was born to the late Aaron and Lucille Williams, July 15, 1931, in Hazel Hurst, Mississippi.

He moved to the city of Chicago, where he met Warteen Williams. They married in 1949. They had 7 children. After many years of marriage, they eventually separated.

Henry signed up for the US Army in August 1952. He served as a cook in the military. He was honorably discharged. Henry was known for his cooking throughout all his years.

He worked for many years in construction. He was on the construction crew that built the federal building, Harold Washington Social Security Center in downtown Chicago. This building is known for its icon 101-feet sculpture called the Batcolumn, A.KA. “The Baseball Bat”. He was also a neighborhood mechanic, and an Uber Driver before Uber even existed. He provided rides for customers from Moo & Oink (previously known as the Calumet Meat Market) and One Stop to their homes.

Henry met Lillie Brown in 1967. They welcomed their daughter in 1968. Together they raised 13 children.

Henry Williams was a very friendly individual. He knew everyone from the mailman to the cashier at the local grocery store. Everyone knew and liked Henry Williams.

Henry Williams was preceded in death by his father and mother, Aaron A.K.A “Mr. Good” and Lucille Williams; wife, Warteen Williams; Long time companion, Lillie Brown; brothers Herbert Williams Sr. (Roberta) and Charles “June” Williams; children, George Williams, Charles Williams, Leslie Williams, Derek Williams, Victoria Williams, LV Brown, Brenda Brackett, Beatrice (Lynn) Christor, Sylvester Brown, William Brown Jr., Willie Brown, Jimmy Brackett, Harvey Brackett, Bessie Loggins, and Mandella Brackett.

Henry Williams leaves to cherish his memory siblings Carlotta Williams, Charles Williams, Alice Faye; children, Loretta Williams, Lucille Williams, JC Brown (Dot), Ernestine Loggins, Della Sims, Johnnie Mae Brackett, Cynthia Eastman (Fabian), Tammie Terrell, Latrice Gray, Mechelle Brackett, and William Gist; and many cousins, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.

Friends and family will meet for visitation on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 10AM-12PM at Warren Funeral Home, 1475 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee, IL. A Celebration of his Life will begin at 12PM.