Brent Williams

July 2, 1958 - March 24, 2020

Brent Joseph Williams , 61, of New Hope, MN passed away March 24, after valiantly battling health concerns exacerbated in recent years. Brent was born on July 2, 1958 in Salina, KS. His pre-teen and teen years were spent in Detroit, MI, Minneapolis, MN, Levittown, PA and North Brunswick, NJ. He attended Norfolk State University in Virginia before joining the 82nd Division of the U.S. Army. Honorably discharged from the military, Brent eventually settled in the Twin Cities and attended Dunwoody Institute. He worked in various industries including oil, manufacturing and healthcare. The majority of his career—spanning over a quarter century—was devoted to the metal stamping and steel manufacturing industries, earning him numerous certifications. Brent was as an enthusiastic martial arts practitioner and magic hobbyist; his talent gained him entry into the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Joseph H. Williams, Jr., Ed.D, and Constance Loraine Hill. He is survived by Jeremy (Stephanie ) Williams; Austin Williams; and three other children; granddaughters Lorelei and Vivian Williams; sister, Rhona Williams London; brother, Evan Williams; aunts, Virginia Ricard, PhD, and Shirley Brown; uncle, Raymond Hill; and a host of cousins, including: Valerie Raycraft, Sonya (Richard)Johnson and Meredith (Eyamba) Bokamba. His closest friend since military service, Carey Slaton, also mourns his passing.