Amory Leland Williams, Jr.

Amory Leland Williams, Jr. was born on February 11, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in Woodstock, Vermont. He resided in New York City, NY; Old Tappan, NJ; Raleigh, NC; and High Point, NC.

Amory served in WWII in the Army of Occupation from July 9, 1945 through January 10, 1947, and received an Honorable Discharge, as well as an Army of Occupation Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

After the army, he returned home to Woodstock, VT, where he studied piano with Lydia Hoffmann-Behrendt. After 3 years, he auditioned at the Juilliard School and was accepted to further his piano studies. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in piano in 5 years.

His professional life centered on being a music educator. He taught theory and piano at Bronx House Music School and eventually became the director of the school. He taught piano at New York University. He was head of the piano department at Usdan Center of Performing Arts, where he auditioned students, as well as teaching the advanced piano classes. He also taught private classes for piano students at his house. In total, his teaching career spanned 50 years.

Upon retirement, he continued to pursue his hobbies, which included playing the piano, taking long morning walks, building furniture, various projects to fix up our house, building brick walls, fixing automobiles, reading, watching old movies, listening to music, planning vacations, and investing.

He passed away on November 2, 2019, at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Elnora Joyce Williams.  

Amory lived an active and fulfilling life. There are so many words that could be used to describe his character – but the best description was from a friend who said “Amory was a good and loving person who taught me what I need to look for in a husband.” His life was a gift he shared with everyone he encountered. I, Elnora, am a better person for having known Amory.

The most important decision Amory made during his life was to accept Jesus as his Savior in August of 2018.

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