Willie James Black Life Celebration Program

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

PALLBEARERS Beloved Family

FLOWER LADIES Beloved Family

INTERMENT

Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens 5755 Mallory Road, College Park, Georgia 30349

REPAST

Clayton County Board of Education 1098 Fifth Avenue, Jonesboro, Georgia 30236

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The family of our beloved extends sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support shown during our time of bereavement. Your comforting words, floral tributes, acts of kindness, visits, phone calls, and messages have provided strength and encouragement beyond measure. We pray that God will richly bless each of you and continue to keep you in His loving care.

Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Historic West End Chapel 1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30310 404-758-1731 www.williewatkins.com

Sunrise: February 21, 1962 | Sunset: June 16, 2026 Friday, June 26, 2026 | 12:00 Noon

Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home

Historic West End Chapel

1003 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard Atlanta, Georgia 30310

Elder Wayne Martin, Officiating

Sergeant First Class Willie James Black (U.S. Army, Retired), age 64, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and public servant, peacefully departed this life on June 16, 2026. His life was marked by service, dedication, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Willie was born on February 21, 1962, in Americus, Georgia, to the late Rosa Lee Bridges and Henry Bob “Billy” Black. He was lovingly guided and supported throughout his youth by his stepfather, Gordy Bridges, who played an important role in his upbringing.

A proud graduate of Americus High School, Class of 1980, Willie enjoyed an active childhood and adolescence. He loved roller skating, playing basketball and baseball, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

Following high school, Willie answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. During his distinguished military career, he honorably served for 20 years and 19 days of active duty, retiring in 2000 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. His military service took him around the world, including assignments in Germany, Hawaii, and Panama. He also courageously served in combat operations in Somalia. Whether training infantry soldiers, working closely with General Colin Powell, or recruiting the newest members of the United States Army, he served his country with honor. Willie was deeply proud of his military service and the opportunity to serve his nation.

While serving in the Army, Willie met the love of his life, Stacy Black, in 1990. Their relationship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were united in marriage on June 27, 1992. Together they built a loving family and shared more than three decades of marriage, devotion, and cherished memories.

After retiring from the Army, Willie continued his commitment to public service by joining the Clayton County Court System as a bailiff. In this role, he served with professionalism, dignity, and pride, working alongside judges, attorneys, court staff, and public servants. Among those privileged to serve with him was his daughter-in-law, Judge Candace Duvernay, who witnessed firsthand his dedication and steady presence in the courtroom.

Willie was preceded in death by his son, Willie Black, Jr.; his parents, Rosa Lee Bridges and Henry Bob Black; his stepfather, Gordy Bridges; his parents-in-law, Horace Alston, Sr. And Florence Alston; and his siblings, Clyde Thomas (Vonzell), Michael Tatum (Annette), and Jeffrey Tatum.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Stacy; his children, Peter Duvernay (Esther), Maquita Black (Philip), DeShaun Duvernay (Candace), Marcus Black, and Malcolm Black.

He is also survived by his siblings: Nancy Hawkins (Johnny), Lisa Black, Donna Maddox (George), Craige Bridges (Teresa), and Amy Love (Eljuan).

Willie leaves behind his cherished sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Sharon Alston; Stephanie Hodge (Kenneth); Horace Alston, Jr. (Carolyn); and Keith Alston (Merrill), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

A proud grandfather, Willie found immense joy in his grandchildren: Jamie Cruz, Brian Cruz, Michael Cruz, DeShaun Duvernay, Jr., Kailem Bell, Willie Black III, Sindara Bell, Elijah Duvernay, Jayceon Bell, and Raelynn Bell. Each of them held a special place in his heart and brought him tremendous pride and happiness.

Mr. Willie Black was a man of many interests. Beyond his many professional accomplishments, he enjoyed music, traveling, and learning about history and social movements, including the Black Panther Party. He was also known for his love of cooking, especially his famous collard greens, which became a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with loved ones and sharing stories from his many life experiences. Whether through his military service, his work in the courts, his cooking, or simply his presence, Willie Black left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He was a mentor, leader, and beacon of strength for his family. He leaves a legacy of service, wisdom, and love that has laid the foundation for generations to come.

ORDER OF SERVICE Prelude Instrumental Music Processional A Charge to Keep Selection "Mississippi Poor Boy" Scripture Dr. Stephanie Hodge Old Testament | Psalm 91 New Testament | Matthew 11:28-30 Prayer Deacon Johnny Hawkins, Jr. Remarks/Reflections Family and Friends (2 Minutes Please) Obituary Read Silently Selection "Goodness of God" Eulogy Elder Wayne Martin Acknowledgements Willie A. Watkins Staff Recessional "Going Up Yonder"