Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sunday's Obituary - Willie Louis Markham
1888-1971

It has been appointed that man must die and often death to judgement, and the Lord has
told us, "To be ye also ready for you know not the hour that the Son of man cometh," and Willie Louis Markham took note of that. He was born to Mary and Monroe Markham on December 23, 1888, in Caseyville, Mississippi.

Years ago he accepted Christ as his personal savior and united with the Zion
Chapel A.M.E. at an early age and married Fredonia Culver. To this union six
children were born of whom three preceded him in death. He later moved near Galilee
A.M.E. and joined. He served as superintendent of Sunday School, class leader, and
sang in the choir.

He later moved to Brookhaven and joined
Bethel A.M.E. Church, where he was a member
for over forty years. He served in various
capacities including Steward and Sunday School
Superintendent. He loved to sing hymns and
enjoyed coming to church until failing health
prevented his doing so.

One of his favorite pastimes was reading
the Bible. He felt he was in close communion with
God when he was reading his holy truths. he
believed that God was just and that God was
fair. he loved his home and he worked hard
to provide for his family; he was a good
husband, a kind father, a quite peaceful
neighbor. But regardless to our worth we
must go. He is survived by his wife, Fredonia,
a daughter Willia Mae Smith and two sons
Robert and Arthur Markham, ten grandchildren,
and one great grandchild. He also leaves three
sisters, one brother and other relatives and
friends.

Funeral held at the Bethel A.M.E. Church in
Brookhaven. Rev. E.J. Billups, officiating
minister. Interment, Carver Heights. Central
Funeral Home handle arrangements.
Uncle Willie loved to play the piano. He lived next door to his sisters and when we went for visits, I remember Uncle Willie playing the piano. Uncle Willie was my mother's uncle.

Obituary and photograph from the personal collection of the late Jessie Mae Markham.