Jonathan Latier Williams

Obituary For Jonathan Latier Williams

Mr. Jonathan Latier Williams was born on March 29, 1977 to Diane Lynch and Johnny Williams. He was born at Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC and was considered a miracle baby as there were many medical challenges surrounding his birth. But, Jonathan pulled through just fine.
Jonathan grew up in the Weeks Armstrong housing section of Rocky Mount, NC and attended public schools in Edgecombe County, at Baskerville Elementary, Parker Middle and Rocky Mount Senior High Schools. His time in Weeks Armstrong would introduce him to a lifelong companion, Terrence Allen. The two would form a bond that developed into a brotherhood of the truest form. Jonathan’s love for drumming was recognized early on and he began playing regularly at Union Hill Church of Nashville, where he attended Sunday service with his beloved paternal grandparents Alice (“Nelly”) and John Williams. He continued to excel in the art of drumming all throughout school and would eventually become the Drum Captain of the Rocky Mount Senior High School Marching Band.

Jonathan was always known for his adventurous spirit. Seldom would he back down from a challenge. This love of adventure would lead him to travel the States and abroad.

In 1996, Jonathan met a young lady named Kenya Stanley of Rocky Mount, NC. The two fell in love and soon relocated to Elizabeth City, NC where Kenya attended a local university. Johnathan worked local jobs during this time and became a strong and permanent figure in the life of Kenya’s first born daughter, Alexus. He loved children and was very dedicated to his role as a father. The couple welcomed their son Johnyre in December in 1997. The two would relocate to Hempstead, NY followed by East Orange, NJ and eventually Irvington, NJ. On August 4, 2000, Jonathan married Kenya and the couple welcomed a baby girl in December 2001. In 2003, Jonathan and Kenya separated, yet continued to co-parent their three children Alexus, Johnyre and Jah’sanni.

For many years, Jonathan worked as a sheet rocker, learning to renovate older residential and commercial properties throughout the Northern NJ area. In 1998, Jonathan partnered with his lifelong brother, Terrence Allen, and the two men began to build their own company, specializing in home renovations. The brotherhood between Jonathan and Terrence fostered the foundation for a thriving successful business for many years.

Jonathan's natural love for drumming led him to study African drumming during his time in Northern NJ. He learned to play the West African Djembe drum with a local dance company based out of Newark, NJ.

Jonathan met Jahni Saltus in 2003 during her visit from Bermuda and the two married in 2004. The union produced no children. Jonathan traveled to the Caribbean islands of Bermuda around 2006. Attempts to expand his career abroad were unfruitful and he returned to the United States alone in 2007. Jonathan continued to travel the states even more, upon his return.

In April of 2007, Jonathan experienced a near fatal event, where he was severely assaulted in Newark, NJ, resulting in permanent brain injury. The assault would have long standing effects on Jonathan and his career. Despite this setback, Jonathan continued to build his brand as a subcontractor and eventually returned to his home state of NC.

In 2013-2023, he would live in Fort Myers, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Washington, DC and eventually Atlanta, GA, in an attempt to expand his career. In August of 2022, Jonathan moved to the metropolis of Atlanta, GA hopeful that he could rebrand and relaunch his career as a subcontractor. Sadly, this was an unsuccessful endeavor. On July 4, 2023, Jonathan's life came to an end.

Jonathan leaves to behind his, former wife, Kenya Dubar (Newark, NJ), and their three children, Alexus Locke (Bear, Delaware), son, Johnyre Williams, and daughter Jah’sanni Williams both of Newark,NJ, his father Johnny Williams, and stepmother Patricia Williams (Nashville, NC), a brother, Harvest Sumler, sister in law Johncyn Sumler (Rocky Mount NC), and a stepfather Sandy Braswell, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Diane Lynch Braswell in October 2021.

Jonathan’s legacy was powerful and profound. He will be remembered for his adventurous nature, his love of the drums, his charming sense of humor, and his undying love for his family. May his rest in eternal peace. We would like to extend a special thanks to the Allen Family and Brown Family for your support and love.

Barrett Funeral Home Oglethorpe have been entrusted with final arrangements.