Willie J. Pinkney

August 28, 1938 – August 27, 2023

Willie Pinkney, also known as Joseph, was born on August 28, 1938, to Levi and Edna Mae Pinkney. He was one of fourteen children. He has been preceded in death by both of his parents and siblings: Corine Williams, Rosa Mae Pinkney Fritz, Christine Stanley, James Pinkney, Willie Corethers and William Stewart; first wife Pauline and second wife Bettie.

Willie graduated from Hooper City High School in Tarrant, AL. Willie worked as a bartender, and he also had some photography skills. He married Pauline Felton and to this union they had two children, Robert Leon and Audrey Renee. He moved his family from Birmingham, AL to Denver, CO in 1967 for different job opportunities. Willie became a cook and chef at hotels such as Double Tree, Embassy Suites, Ramada Inn, Red Lion, and the Red Slipper. He was asked to go to Las Vegas on temporary assignment to cook at one of the large Las Vegas Hotels. Willie loved cooking and could cook French cuisines, Italian dishes, and Soul Food dishes.

Willie found love again at the age of 72 and married Bettie Hennington. He and Bettie shared times of laughter, entertainment and some travel prior to her passing in 2018.

Willie accepted Christ at a young age while living in Alabama. Upon his arrival to Denver, he attended several Baptist churches until Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church became his final church home.

Willie was a gentle and kind man. Anyone who met him loved him because he was so friendly. He was very appreciative of anything that was done for him. He would always say, “Thank you for what you are doing for me” even if it was as simple as giving him a cup of coffee or a glass of water. He was a jokester and always liked to tell jokes and make corny comments. If you were to leave the room and tell him you would be right back, he would say, “thanks for the warning!” Or you ask him how he feels, he would say, “I feel with my hands! How do you feel?” Getting in a car he always said, “Let me get these size 12 feet in the car.” He had plenty of one-liners. He would chuckle and flash that beautiful smile with his warm eyes.

Although Willie’s passing was unexpected, he was surrounded by friends and family who were celebrating him and showering him with love for his 85th birthday, which would have been the next day, August 28th. His last meal was some of his favorite foods: greens, macaroni and cheese, glazed carrots, cornbread, potato salad, BBQ ribs, chicken, birthday cake and ice cream! He left with a full stomach and a full heart.

Willie leaves behind two children Audrey Renee Lowe (Ronald) and Robert Leon Pinkney; grandchildren: Tori Pinkney, Robert Pinkney, Austin Lowe and Avery Lowe; great grandchildren: Torrice Bell and Erick Pinkney; Siblings: Levi Pinkney (Ann), Harold Pinkney (Helen), Patricia Hardy, Brenda Pinkney, Cassandra Pinkney, Teresa Harris (Tony), and Vivian Little, as well as a host of other relatives and loved ones.

A visitation for Willie will be held Friday, September 8, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 S. Dayton Street, Aurora, CO 80247.

A funeral service will occur Friday, September 8, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 1500 S. Dayton Street, Aurora, CO 80247. Service can also be viewed via livestream at: risingstarmissionarybaptist.org.

A committal service will occur Friday, September 8, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Olinger Eastlawn Cemetery, 19600 East Smith Road, Aurora, CO 80011.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Pinkney family.