WILLIE STEVENS SR.
Willie Harold Stevens Sr. peacefully passed away on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2004, at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. His family was at his bedside.
He was born on Feb. 5, 1905, to Matthew Stevens and Minnie Smith Stevens. His eight siblings preceded him death.
"Jimmie" or "Uncle Jimmie" as he was known to family and friends, was raised and educated in Wayne County, North Carolina. He married Mattie Martin and they had three children, Brownie Lee, Josephine and Willie Harold Jr. Mattie Martin Stevens died in 1941 and Jimmie later met and married Estella Rhodes.
Jimmie began his career as a chauffeur for the Bryant family in Wayne County. Later he worked at a mill in Calypso, North Carolina, producing plywood. He ended his career working as a demolition technician at the Rock Quarry in Statesville, N.C.
In 1987, Jimmie's health began to fail and his sister, Lula Ford, convinced him to come to Washington and live with her. Jimmie was devoted to his sister. When she had a stroke in 1988, he was eager to do what he could to help take care of her. If he thought it would make her feel better, he would walk several blocks to Safeway to buy her a soda. Weekdays were spent at the Model City's Wellness Center where he made many friends and went on several trips.
When Lula died in June of this year, Jimmie started to slow down. He continued to live with Vickie, his niece, but everyone could tell he really missed his sister. He enjoyed visits from his son, Brownie Lee, and grandchildren, Veronica, Charles and Noah. When they came, his face would light up and that famous smile would spread across his face.
Upon departing this life he leaves to cherish his memory his children, Brownie Lee Stevens, Josephine Ore Miller and Willie Harold Stevens Jr.; his grandchildren, Veronica Stevens Jones, Charles Von Stevens, Noah David Stevens, Danielle Jordan, Cynthia Jordan, Jean Paul Wilkins, Dawn Marie Wilkins, Sandra Renee Williams, Royal Dion Williams, Ersula Jawanna Ore, and Joseph E. Stevens; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Services will be held Saturday at noon, Nov. 13, 2004, at Hamilton Funeral Chapel, 423 S. James St., Goldsboro, N.C. The Reverend Dr. Alton Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Augusta Cemetery in Wayne County.
The family will receive friends at the chapel on Saturday from 11 a.m. until noon.
Professional arrangements entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Chapels of Goldsboro and Wilson, N.C.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on November 11, 2004 1:45 PM