William "Big Bill" Lambert

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” On October 29, 1922, God blessed the holy union of Mr. Lee and Mrs. Ivory Lambert of Holly Springs, AR with a handsome baby boy, whom they named William. Nurtured in a Christian home in the close-knit White Springs community, William learned the importance of working hard on the family farm, helping others, enjoying life and most importantly, putting God and family first. Those early lessons would fortify the essence of his legacy, as he would become known as everyone’s “Uncle Bill” and “Big Bill”. William gave his life to Christ at a young age and joined White Springs AME Church. He was educated in Ouachita County school system. Believing God’s Word, “….and the two shall become one flesh….” he married the beautiful and sweet Lucille. The Lord blessed this union with the birth of nine children. Together they laid a solid foundation for family life based on love, commitment, and Christian values. In addition to farm work, William worked several jobs throughout his season of life, including serving as a burial agent for Williams Funeral Home of Camden, Arkansas; a laborer for Lumber Company in Sheridan, AR; and a groundskeeper at a Catholic School in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also the proud president of the Lee and Ivory Lambert Legacy Family Club, which organizes the annual Granny Gathering to support unity efforts and uplift the legacy of his mother Mrs. Ivory Ross-Lambert, who is the second oldest living super-centenarian in Arkansas and among five of the oldest living super centenarians in the United States. William was also a strong supporter of the Lambert Community Reunion, created by his father, the late Lee Lambert. Established in 1955, the reunion supports the upkeep of the White Springs Cemetery and serves as a homecoming event for the entire community. Accompanied by his children, grandchildren and friends, William traveled back to Arkansas often during the year to visit his mother, attend reunions, farm, hunt, and spend time with family and friends. Although small in stature, he was a big man in heart and well respected. Affectionately known as “Big Bill” or “Uncle Bill, he was always the life of the party. He was a one of the coolest, outgoing, tenacious, patient, straight forward and down to earth men that lived. Outspoken, William “meant what he said and said what he meant”. There was never a dull moment when he was around and he never met a stranger. He will most be remembered by his style, charisma, smile, generosity and infectious laugh. “ … The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 On Monday, April 16, 2012, in his 89th season, William answered the call that no man can refuse and surrendered his soul to Christ. Awaiting his arrival and to welcome him home are his father Lee Lambert, two daughters Theair Morris and Barbara Lambert-Scott, one son Cyril-Gracie Lambert, a granddaughter Andrea Lambert, one brother Moses Lambert and one sister Aubrey Dee Lambert Moyer. Because love is far greater than death, William departs this earth in body only. Those left to celebrate his life and legacy are his loving mother, Mrs. Ivory Ross-Lambert of Bearden; the mother of his children Lucille Lambert of Rockford, IL; four sons Rev. Ivor (Myrendia) of Brunswick, GA, Leon (Emma) Lambert of Ashdown, AR, Alvin (Jackie) Lambert of Kansas City, MO, and Barkley (Jackie) Lambert of Gurdon, AR; two daughters Shelia (Algen) Lambert Cheairs of Rockford, IL, and Jasmin Boyd of Rockford, IL; one sister Mrs. Blanche Ferrell of Palo Alto, CA; 29 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves a special daughter-in-law Verse Lambert of Rockford, IL; special grandchildren Lashanda “Doll” James and Andre “Dog” Morris; special great-grandchildren Tyair “Fuzzy” Jones and Alexis “Kissykiss” Lambert; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the entire Lambert family. Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Big Bill will lie in repose at the funeral home on Friday, April 27, 2012 from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Dr. F. O. Jones Auditorium in Bearden, Arkansas. Dr. Russell Cephus will deliver the eulogy. The committal service and final resting place will be in White Springs Cemetery in the Holly Springs Community.