Willie McGrone

Willie J. McGrone was born on January 3, 1936, to Roberto and Alma McGrone in Greenwood, MS. Sadly, Alma passed away when Willie J. was very young. Roberto later married Hattie and together they raised Willie J. and he was educated in the Mississippi Public School system.

In search of better opportunities, Willie J. moved to Chicago where he later met and married the love of his life, Shirley Whitfield, and to this union a child was born. Willie J. was an easygoing, good hearted, and hard-working man, and an outstanding father and grandfather. 

Willie J. accepted Christ at an early age. While in Chicago he renewed his service with Jesus Christ at the St. Paul M.B. Church, where he was ordained a deacon. Later, Willie J. assisted in establishing the United Liberty M.B. Church where he was elected as chairman of the deacon board and served as a faithful deacon for over 40 years. Willie J. also sang in the Second Timothy Special Quartet. Willie J. was a praying, faithful man. Everyone loved to hear his talks to the Lord, and bestowed and imparted wisdom to all whom he met.

On November 27, 2021, Willie J. went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roberto, Alma, and Hattie McGrone; his loving wife, Shirley McGrone; three children, Minnie Matthews, Ella Patterson, William Whitfield; and his only sister, Geneva Johnson.

Willie J. leaves to cherish his loving memory, his five children, Loretta Walker of Detroit, MI, Eva Whitfield of Maywood, IL, Clarence (Michelle) Whitfield of Romeoville, IL, Sherry (Philip) Newburn of Maywood, IL, Paula (Princescilla) McGrone of Milwaukee, WI; David and Joan Person of Chicago, IL; 22 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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