Willie Douglas

Willie B. Douglas

Willie B. Douglas was born the youngest son to the late William and Alma Douglas in Darlington, SC.  He received his formal education through Darlington Public School System and his spiritual influence was guided through Shiloh Methodist Church.  At a very early age, Willie gave his life to Christ, as well as his time and talents, by joining the Brotherhood of Christ, the Male Usher Board and serving as the Chairperson for the Young People’s Choir.  He courted a young lady from the choir by the name of Lois Sansbury, whom he later married in 1946.

In 1954, Willie and Lois moved to Norfolk with their three young children: Mae, Willie and Johnny.  After settling in Norfolk, Virginia, they found themselves blessed with another bundle of joy which they named Carolyn. 

Willie (as known as “Lil Son” to his family and close friends) was employed with G.A. Edney Exxon in the service department for 10 years and C. Lloyd Johnson Corporation for 2 years.  He later began working for Unisource Co. as an inventory clerk and delivery driver, where he retired after 25 years of service.  After retirement, restless and unwilling to let grass grow under his feet, he took a job with B&L Airfreight Co. for 8 years a delivery driver.

 Willie and his family joined St John’s AME Church under the pastorate of Rev. Walter L. Hilderbrand.  He served as a Senior Steward under Pastor Walter C. Davis.  He served as Assistant Chaplin, Treasurer and Assistant Communion Leader of the Steward Board under Rev. Larry S. Hinton. He also became involved in numerous ministries of the church.   His duties included Worship Leader for the Wednesday Night Prayer Service, President of the Uptown Fellowship Group,  Finance Secretary and Assistant Secretary for the Male Usher Board.  He was also a member of the Lay Organization, the Brotherhood for Christ, the Sick Committee, The Omnimen, Church Transportation Specialist (Bus driver) and Marshall for the Quarterly Conference.  In 2003 he was named St. John’s “Father of the Year” by the Chesapeake Fellowship Group.

 Willie was predeceased by his wife Lois of 56 years, his son Willie James Douglas, 2 brothers Andrew Douglas and Otis Lee Hollomon, 1 sister Roberta Peoples and his grandson Korey Jhermel Jackson.

 Willie is survived by two daughters Mae F. Sanders (Harvey) and Carolyn D. Jackson both of Virginia Beach, Va. and Johnny Douglas (Lottie) of Fayetteville, NC.  He is also survived by 6 sisters Jean Allred of Fayetteville, NC, Mattie Hollomon of Durham, NC, Lizzy Humbert and Frances Bruce of Florence, SC, Phyllis Martin of Timmonsville, SC and Ollie Gallishaw of Hartsville, SC and 2 brothers Robert Hollomon of Timmonsville, SC and Freddie Hollomon of Columbia, SC.  He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

2 Corinthians 5:8

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord

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