Grant F. Anderson Citation for Meritorious Ministry
2020 Honoree of the Queens Federation of Churches

Elder Debora E. Williams

Elder Debora E. Williams is an ordained minister of the Gospel and the First Lady of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica, New York where she serves with her husband Pastor Owen E. Williams for the past fourteen years.

Elder Debora (as she is affectionally known) wears many hats at St. Mark. She is a dedicated supporter of her husband, and the overseer of the Daughters of Zion Women Ministry. Elder Debora spearheaded programs for the youth, including breakfast on Sunday mornings for the youth after church school, students tutoring students during the Adult Wednesday Bible Study and she also created a Sunday church manual to teach the youth the responsibilities and challenges of being a Christian. She has also held Friday night pizza and movie for youth in the community. During that time, they also played games and participated in group chats.

In addition to those assignments, Elder Debora still finds time to continue her duties as lead servant of Desire A Prayer Life Ministry, which she established in February 1999. This ministry is composed of men, women and young adults who have a strong desire to draw closer to God through the power of prayer. When Elder Debora answered the call of God to birth this ministry she felt compelled to carry out the mandate from God to encourage new believers as well as mature Christians to develop a disciplined prayer life.

Elder Debora was licensed as an Evangelist in February 2006 by the late Bishop Lester L. Williams of Community church of Christ, Jamaica, New York, and ordained in March 2012 by Pastor Owen E. Williams, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Jamaica, New York.