Willie Young

Willie A. Young was the middle child loom to Albert and Myrtle Ethelene Yong on November 10,1933. His mother died when he was at the tender age of eight. Loving Uncle Frank and Aunt Elmira Fullbright took the reins, raising Willie, his older brother Lewis Albert and younger sister Laura Alberta. Willie grew up in Marlin Texas, where he attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He began his walk with Christ as a child and attended Marlin Baptist Church.

Willie joined tJie U.S. Air Force at age nineteen, where he sewed for twenty years. His main focus of duty was with the USAF security police. He also played basketball for the Air Force team. Willie's assignments included the continental United States and Alaska; England, Turkey and Germany. In 1972, at the age of thirty-nine, he retired. Never idle, he sought employment at the San Diego Naval Station, Department of Defense, and became Chief of Detectives, working closely with the NClSfor twenty-five years. He retired for a second time in 1997.

Willie was introduced to his 'lovely' wife Mavis by his Aunt Bernice and her Aunt Prudence. They jell in love immediately and the rest is history. They were married on December 15,1956. To this union was born a son, Herman Anthony and a daughter, Michelle Myann. This military family traveled extensively throughout the U.S., and upon Willie's retiring, moved to San Diego CA in 1972. Through marriage unions of their own (Herman and Michelle), Willie and Mavis became the proud grandparents ofTianni Myann Young, Keenan Anthony Young, and Gabrielk Halal Johnson.

After visiting several churches in San Diego, Bill & Mavis joined Bethel Memorial AME Church in 1972, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend James Oxley. After joining Bethel they both hit the ground running as true servants of God. Willie sewed as a steward for many years and became a steward emeritus proclaimed by Reverend Anthony Hughes. He sewed on the finance committee, chairman of the bereavement committee, treasurer for the Mr. & Mrs. ministry, and most important to him, chair of the transportation ministry. He transported many Bethel members all over Southern California. He has received several certificates of appreciation from the Missionary Society, Lay Organization, just to name a few. In 2003, he was chosen Bethel A.M.E. 'Man of the Year'.

In his home, Bill was a loving husband, a devoted father, and 'larger-than-life' grandfather. He was a caring friend to many with extended arms to become 'Papa' to sons and daughters too numerous to count. Willie was a true friend to many; close and devoted friends include: Wyman Young (Tucson), Phillip Ward (LasVegas), Ray Estrada (Chula Vista), Roy Williams (San Diego), Aaron Smith, and Reverend MicJiael Henderson.

Left to cherish Willie's life and legacy are his wife Mavis, son Herman, daughter Michelle, the 'Grands', Tianni, Keenan and Gaby; his brother Lewis Albert Young, w/wife Billie Jean. The Tn-Loves': Jodie and Cynthia Lewis, Ruby Moore, and daughter-in love, Chris Young, and devoted cousin, Naomi Johnson. Nephews: Gerald Young, Jeff Young (w/wife Sarah and grand nephews William and Miles in London), Michael Young (w/wife Gabrielle in Germany), Michael Lewis (w/wife Patrice and grand nephews, Matthew and Jeremiah in Galveston), Patrick Lewis (w/wife Angela and grand nephews Ryan and Aaron in Atlanta); Broderick Moore, and Terrance Moore. Nieces: Leahana Young-Shorty w/husband Earl Shorty and grand nephew Xavier); nieces Lillian Lewis, Cassandra Young, Sharon Young, Taylor Young, Spencer Young, Jorita Parker and Sonja Collins.