Willie R. Whitfield, Sr.

Willie R. Whitfield, Sr., was born in Nansemond County, Virginia to the late Sidney Whitfield, Sr. and Mary Jane Bradley Whitfield. On April 8, 2018 he departed this life to claim eternal rest and peace. Willie was educated in Nansemond County Public Schools. He was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Shirley Jean Edwards Whitfield, together they successfully parented two children.Willie began his spiritual journey at Olive Branch Baptist Church and then in later years joined Piney Grove Baptist Church. There he was Chairman of the Deacon Board for many years. He retired from the Newport New Shipyard after 38 years of service. Willie loved quartet singing. He played lead guitar for several groups and was currently the bus manager for the Southernaires of Suffolk VA. He was also a former member of the W.F. Jackson Lodge #95.Willie had a special bond with his grandchildren who nick named him "Pa Pa", and when mom said no Pa Pa said yes. Willie enjoyed cooking, fishing, bowling and spending time with family. You could always find him at one of the stores in Windsor.Willie was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Jean Whitfield and eighteen siblings. His memory will be forever cherished by his son Willie Whitfield Jr and daughter Renyta Whitfield; sister, Gracie Cotton of Suffolk; two brothers, William Whitfield (Grace) and Lonnie Whitfield (Alverta) both of Baltimore; sister-in-law, Joyce Graves; two granddaughters, Jeanette Elliott and Mercedes Johnson; two grandsons, Willie Benthall and Rakeem Johnson; three great grandchildren;two special friends, Thomas and Linda Harden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Piney Grove Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in Chapel Grove U.C.C. Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willie R. Whitfield, Sr., please visit our flower store.