Willie Lewis Witherspoon

Willie Lewis Witherspoon, son of James Witherspoon Jr., and Maggie Huey Witherspoon, was born June 2, 1937 in Lancaster County, South Carolina. He departed his earthly life on August 10, 2014 at Hunterwoods Nursing and Rehabilitation at Charlotte, North Carolina. Willie gave his life to Christ at an early age and joined White Oak AME Zion Church in Van Wyck, SC. He attended public school in Lancaster, SC and graduated from Bar Street High School. He moved to Charlotte in the early 1960’s. There met and married Esther Caraway in 1963. This union brought forth three children Kim, Daryl and Aubrey. In 1973, Willie joined St. Marks United Methodist Church. Willie served as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Superintendent of the Sunday School, President of the Senior Choir, and Treasurer of the Church Building Fund. He also sang on the United Methodist Mass Choir and the Men’s Choir. This hard working man was employed by Southeastern Freight Lines and retired after twenty years as a freight handler. After retirement, he worked for a short while at T.J. Maxx. Willie also lent his talents to several causes and served on several committees and boards: Charlotte Area Fund, Bethlehem Center, Black Political Caucus, Low Income Housing of North Carolina, and other neighborhood committees. Willie’s received many awards and accolades for his church and community service. His awards include recognition from the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Men and the Western North Carolina Conference Council on the Laity. Willie’s parents and one sister, Vernelle, preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories His daughter, Kim Witherspoon of Charlotte; sons, Daryl B. Witherspoon Esquire (Deidra) of Fairfax, VA and Aubrey Witherspoon (Lynnetta) of Charlotte; four grandchildren: Latoya, Taylor, Dorothy, and Kamryn; Esther, his wife of 39 years; three brothers: Ernest Witherspoon (Connie), James Witherspoon III (Barbara) of Lancaster, and Herbert Witherspoon (Phyllis) of Hamilton, Ohio; five sisters: Ethel Lee Steward of Lancaster, Elfrieda Witherspoon, Carolyn Blake (Herman) of Charlotte, Bobbie Johnson of Lancaster, and Geraldine Johnson (Lynn) of Rock Hill, SC.; two uncles: Albert Hailey of Cleveland, Ohio and Clarence Witherspoon of Van Wyck, SC; six aunts: Shirley Hailey, Annie Mae Hailey, Annie Lee Miller of Charlotte, Mary Frances Dart of Cleveland, Ohio, Ada Lee Dickson of Van Wyck, and Ruth Walden of Maryland.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A special cousin, Grady Witherspoon and best friend, Walter D. Hand.

Willie Lewis Witherspoon

June 2, 1937 - August 10, 2014