A LEGACY OF LOVE AND FAITH

Deacon

Willie Lee Douglas was born on October 12, 1938 in Mamers, NC (Harnett County) to the late Mary Lillie WilsonDouglas and Willie Hartfield Douglas. The Lord called him home on Friday morning, October 1, 2021.

Deacon Douglas attended Chapel Hill A.M.E. Zion Church at an early age where he served as an usher, a member of the choir and sang with a quartet. Willie was educated in Harnett County schools and graduated from Shawtown High School in 1957. After high school graduation, he relocated to Greensboro, NC where he continued his studies at Guilford Technical Community College. He was employed at Bridges Furniture and later at Southern Foods.

Willie Douglas met and married his best friend, sweetheart and soulmate, Shirley Reese Douglas on May 18, 1963. They recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. God blessed this union with four wonderful children, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three daughters in-law and two great granddaughters in-law. “For we Walk by Faith, Not by Sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV

The Douglas family joined New Light Baptist Church more than 43 years ago. Deacon Douglas was a faithful servant leader who assisted the Pastor as a Deacon Family Ministy Head. He sang in the Men’s Choir, was a faithful member of Sunday School, served with the Ushers, and later became Coordinator of the Senior Ushers Ministry. He volunteered in various capacities in the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He often offered sound advice to youth and young adults. He was a member of the NAACP and an Ombudsman (Male support Group of NANBPWC’s, Inc.)

Deacon Douglas leaves cherished memories and love to his helpmate and supportive wife, Shirley R. Douglas who will always love him; his children, Kelley Douglas-Smith of Greensboro, NC, Sherrod Lee Douglas (Kim) of Whitsett, NC, Jermaine Cameron Douglas (LaKeasha) of Cary, NC, and Marcus Tory Douglas (Tiffany) of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Austin Reese Smith (Ikee) of Cary, NC, Rodney Legrant Smith, Jr. (Brianna) of Dallas, TX, Kristin Alexis Smith, Kennedi Alexandria Smith, Marcus Wesley Douglas, Brandon Douglas, and Kevin Douglas, all of Greensboro, NC, Joshua Jamel White of Whitsett, NC; great-grandchildren, Ryder Lee Smith of Dallas, TX and August Ayden White of Whitsett, NC; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Deacon Douglas was preceded in death by: his mother and father; his sisters, Minister Irene Campbell and Minister Mary Frances Ray; and his brothers Bert “Jeff” Douglas, Carey Douglas, and John Wesley Douglas. He is survived by his brother, McKinley Douglas and his sister, Minister Elizabeth Cameron.

Family and friends will cherish the moments they spent with Deacon Douglas. God has called him to reside in a new home called heaven where we shall meet again one day.