OUR STORY
THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF WILLIAMS - CLAYTOR REALTY
Don Williams
Donald Leroy Williams, Jr. was a respected real estate appraiser, realtor, community leader, and family man whose life reflected deep faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to excellence, following the legacy of his father, Don L. Williams, Sr.
​
Don Sr., a Howard University graduate, built a successful career in pharmacy, insurance, and real estate, co-founding Donora Realty with his wife, Ora Dee Williams. He also served as Mayor of Maywood, Illinois, and led several civic organizations, always rooted in faith and service.
​
Donald Jr., raised in this atmosphere of leadership, worked early on in Berger Pharmacy, graduated from Proviso East High School, served honorably in the U.S. Army in Korea, and entered the real estate field—becoming the second Black licensed appraiser in Illinois. In Peoria, he co-founded Williams & Associates – Appraisers and Consultants, while also dedicating himself to mentoring those in addiction recovery, celebrating over 30 years of sobriety through the grace of God.​
Returning to Maywood in 2005, Donald Jr. and his wife, Gwaine Dianne Williams, continued the family’s real estate legacy at Donora Realty. Together, they lived out their faith through business, service, and community empowerment.
​
A joyful "social butterfly" and gifted bass singer at Broadview Baptist Church, Donald Jr. is remembered for his warm spirit, strong faith, and life-changing testimony. His legacy lives on through his children, especially his youngest son, Brandon Alexander Williams, who, alongside his wife Gabrielle J. Williams, co-founded Williams Claytor Realty in St. Louis, Missouri.
​
Donald Leroy Williams, Jr.'s life was a testament to the redemptive power and enduring faithfulness of God.
THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF WILLIAMS - CLAYTOR REALTY
Clyde Claytor
Clyde Claytor Sr. was called to entrepreneurship and real estate on the South Side of Chicago during the 1930s and 1940s. After securing several pieces of real estate for his family, the era of drugs and gun violence swept through inner-city Chicago. Clyde Claytor Jr. — the grandfather of Gabrielle Williams — lost his way, and his life was ultimately derailed.
​
Although Clyde Claytor Sr. left real estate, money, and assets to his son, without education and guidance, those blessings quickly dissipated.
​
Two generations later, God placed the anointing of real estate, business, and entrepreneurship on Gabrielle Williams. Her journey from employee to boss manifested quickly, and she now operates a 7-figure business alongside her husband and family.
​
The scripture that serves as the foundation of this journey comes from Isaiah 58 — the promise that He will make you the repairer of the breach. Because of this calling, Gabby Williams has become a conduit for the restoration of her family’s financial legacy — bringing them back into alignment with financial liberation through Christ.
