William C. Eley

William (Mice) Clinton Eley began his earthly journey on Monday, October 4, 1943, in Isle of Wight County, VA. He departed this life Thursday, September 19, 2024, at his home in Suffolk, VA.

 William was educated in Isle of Wight County Public Schools. He graduated in 1961 from Georgie Tyler High School. After graduation, he attended Norfolk State University where he majored in Sociology. At the age of 12, William received Christ Jesus as his Lord and personal Savior. He chose to become a member of Chapel Grove United Church of Christ, where he ministered in positions such as usher, culinary ministry leader, transportation facilitator, Sunday School and Bible study teacher, moderator of church and president of church council. William was also active in the community and became the first African-American in the Suffolk branch of the National Guard. He, along with his wife, was a business owner of construction and transportation; Hampton Roads Transit supervisor, and Gerber merchandiser.

 He met the love of his life, Gloria B. Eley, in April 1968. They later married and would have been married 55 years on December 27, 2024. To this union was born one daughter, Clinette C. Eley who later blessed them with a granddaughter, Jonette D. Oliver. William Clinton leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Gloria; daughter, Clinette; granddaughter, Jonette; sister, Elsie Snead; brother, Marvin Brodie; great-aunt, Leeather Stokes; sister-in-law, Priscilla Brodie; god-children, David Leach, Robert Leach and Marguerite Thibodeaux; “daughters”, Pamela Boone and Gwendolyn Copeland; “grandchildren”, Xavier Boone and Aryanah Boone; “brothers”, Samuel Duck (Lois), Joseph Ferguson (Dianette); “sister” Betty Ashburn (Heywood), host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and associates.

 A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, 10:04 a.m. at Chapel Grove United Church of Christ W. Blackwater Rd. Windsor, Va. 23487. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.