Willie Ward

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to get keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace". Willie was born on July 2, 1941 an only child to Lorene Briley, a young mother, on Lake George in Yazoo City, Mississippi . He spent a portion of his formative years with his Aunt Gracie. Later he lived part of his life with his uncle and aunt in Pontiac, Michigan. His teenage years were spent with his mother and stepfather (Issac Johnson) who became his daddy and whom he lovingly called "the old man". Willie was a big man with a heart of gold that always tried to cheer people up. He was an active deacon at Corinthian Baptist Church until his health failed him. Willie would call the sick daily to check on them. Willie graduated from Central High School a product of Columbus Public Schools. Willie was employed by Buckeye Steel Casting until he retired. Willie left his earthly body on Saturday, August 24, 2019 to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his parents Issac and Lorene Johnson, aunts Lula Fisher and Pearl Lee Briley Green, and uncles Ezekiel Milton and MC Briley. Uncle MC Briley was the last survivor of his mother's siblings and they were very close until he passed three years ago. He leaves to cherish his memory Ernest and Jo Briley that were his caregivers and first cousins; a loving cousin, Marie "Peggy" Milton of Pontiac, Michigan; and lifelong friends, Kathy Islom and Yolanda Clemmons as well as a host of dear long-life friends and relatives.