MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis is mourning the loss of a man remembered as a giant in the civil rights movement and the faith-based community.
Family and friends say Bishop Henry Williamson Sr. died on Christmas Day after a brief illness. He was the 52nd Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Memphis.
Throughout the years, Bishop Williamson was known for tirelessly working with Memphis and national civil rights leaders such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Dr. Joseph Kyles of Monumental Baptist Church and the Memphis President of Rainbow Push Coalition says he was a friend, and mentor for many in Memphis.
“Dr. Williamson served in so many different capacities. But recently, in the last few years, I had the opportunity of working with him on the restoration of Collins Chapel , and I can tell you that the Church and the community, and all those who really loved the Collins Chapel because of the work that it did in communication in the areas of birth prior to desegregation,” Kyles said.