Memorials

CMC from Light & Life Christian Fellowship North in Long Beach

Passed away on 8/30/17

Pastor Gary Hauser was known as a man with a big heart for hurting people. Gary demonstrated huge love for his family, the Light & Life church family, all people (especially those in need), and above all for Jesus. Year’s ago, his wife, who was battling cancer at the time, pleaded with a very reluctant Gary to attend services. He sat in the back row of the church’s balcony but God’s grace worked in his life so powerfully.

Eventually, Gary not only began to worship Jesus but he regularly shared his story of transformation with hundreds of people. Gary became the pastor for Light & Life’s Celebrate Recovery Ministry. Gary was a loving husband to Heidi and an incredible father to Hans, Christian, and Ian. Gary lived humbly and loved largely. He is deeply missed.

Lead Pastor for The Table in Altadena

Passed away December 23, 2017

Debra (Johnson) Williams was born on November 21, 1959 in Springfield, Ohio, the second daughter of Leonard Johnson and Ruth Amanda (Stevenson) Johnson.

Debra met her future husband, David Jerome Williams, when they were 4 years old through David’s mom, Marion, and Debra’s aunt, Ann, being friends. Debra and David united in holy matrimony on August 17, 1991 in Los Angeles, California. To this union, three children were born: David Jerome Williams II, Dionna Joy Williams and Danielle Jasmine Williams.

Debra was baptized at an early age at St. John’s Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio. As member of First Presbyterian Church, of Altadena, Debra served as Youth Pastor from 2001-2013. She would take the youth group on mission trips not only in California, but as far away as Camden, New Jersey. The mission trips focused on helping to take care of the homeless and their surrounding communities. The trips were teaching lessons for the youth to see others who were experiencing homelessness, crime and lack of basic resources that we take for granted. Debra’s ultimate goal was for them to learn how to serve. Debra co-founded Daughters of Faith, who met to pray, support each other and learn the Word of God together. Debra and David founded The Brandon Jackson Scholarship Foundation in 2011 to confront violence through education, sports and mentoring. Brandon was one of David’s basketball players and was killed in a drive by shooting in February 2011. He was striving to be the first in his family to go to college. Over $90,000 has been raised to assist disadvantaged students with their college expenses.

Debra grew in her faith in Jesus Christ through praying, reading the Bible and yielding to The Holy Spirit. In her walk and strong love of The Lord, Debra was called and became a licensed local pastor. She became the Lead Pastor for The Table in May 2014. The Table is a church plant affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. On Sundays, starting with a meal, everyone gathers together around the table and around The Table of The Lord for Communion in representing the hospitality of The Lord. The Table’s mission statement: We believe we experience the power and presence of God’s love as we seek the welfare of the city, as we share life and the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Debra was always inclusive and multicultural; that is exactly the composition of The Table. Debra was a member of the Clergy Community Coalition.

Debra was loving, nurturing, compassionate, courageous and full of grace. She loved to sing, write, travel and spend time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was an awesome listener, ultimate giver and funny. She loved serving God, preaching to her congregation and counseling, not only her family, but whoever she came into contact with. Her concern was helping you overcome your problem or adversity. So many people commented on how she always seemed to have the time for everyone; which seemed daunting with all her responsibilities. Debra reached people in a very deep and positive way. She was a beacon of light and hope to all.

Debra stepped into eternity on December 23, 2017.