Phillip Bernard Williamson Memorial services

We the community, are raising funds for our Brother Phillip "SpankWheat" Williamson who moved onto the ancestral plains and became one of our ancestors. Spanky's family needs the funds requested to secure a venue to celebrate his life. Please find it in your heart to donate to give Brother Williamson the home going he deserves. Thank you

Phillip Bernard Williamson, affectionally known as “Bernie” was born to the late James and Alberta Williamson on February 24, 1954, in Harlem, NY. At a young age, he found and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his saviour through the guidance and love from his parents at The Greater Refuge Temple.

Phillip attended Central High School in Manhattan and was introduced to percussions by his music teacher, Mr. Shift. Once a set of conga drums was placed into his hands, Phillip fell in love with the discovered traditional West African drumming and mastered the djembe. Phillip was what you called a dancers drummer,” as he pounded out perfection with his hands. Phillip toured the world, including making trips to Africa, Europe, and several countries of the Caribbean, playing with several West African dance companies, such as The Chuck Davis Dance Company and Forces of Nature. Phillip was hand-selected for the movie “The Believers” and made several live television performances, including the Reading Rainbow, the Richard Pryor Show, and a live performance on the Essence Awards. Phillip believed that his family should have great pride and love for our African heritage. He would later teach and play West African drum throughout the NYC community with the NY MIND building and NYCDOE, introducing rhythms to the young and old. Phillip would later retire with the DOE.

Phillip was kind and soft-spoken. He always had time to listen share advice and a story. He always made time for his family and friends and will be dearly missed. Phillip is survived by his two daughters, Elaine and Leslie, Four Grandchildren Makayla, Harmony, Jahvon and James: older brother Arthur, sister Yvonne, and his “little” sister Phyllis. Phillip leaves behind godchildren Shantay, Danisha, Ruby, Ingrid, Davonne. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Spank Dog Love, the Man!