Willie Lee Dove

On July 6, 1964, in a small city in Mississippi called Meridian, Willie Lee Dove, Sr and Ruth E. Thompson-Dove along with many family members, welcomed a handsome golden baby son into this world!! Willie Lee Dove, Jr. was the first born child to Ruth and Willie. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother Vincent Dewayne Thompson. He was also preceded in death by his father-Willie Sr.

Willie would affectionately become known as: “June Bug,” by most of his family and by “Junior,” “Bug,” or Willie by others. Willie had special relationships with both his grandmothers; and remained close with his maternal grandmother, “Ms. Velma,” with whom he spent much quality time while receiving encouragement and life lessons. Willie often said Ms. Velma admonished him to “do something with his life.”

Willie received his elementary and secondary education in the Meridian Public School System. He was a good student, who enlisted in the US Navy upon graduating from Meridian High School, Class of 1982. Upon the successful completion of Boot Camp, Willie spent the next few years traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad. One duty assignment brought him to Naval Training Center, San Diego where he had a great opportunity to spend time with his San Diego family.

During his enlistment in the U.S. Navy, he rose to the rank of RM2 (Radioman 2nd Class). Before his medical discharge, he received, among many others, the Department of the Navy’s Outstanding and Dedicated Services Award.

He relocated to the East Coast, never to return to live in his home state of Mississippi.

Having proved himself an outstanding Sailor, Willie received many awards while in the military. Among his greatest and life-changing accomplishments, Willie counted his love and subsequent marriage on November 27, 2001, to Rosemary Karua, whom he met while working at a local hospital. Rosemary said, after the two had known each other for some time, Willie asked one day what she was doing for lunch. He suggested, “let’s go down and get married.” There was the beginning of their great love story.

In addition to receiving many military awards, Willie was also recognized by his civilian community for his tireless service to youth. He was recognized by the Assistant Commissioner for his Exceptional and Diligent Services. He volunteered as a football coach at Swanson High School and a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Clubs. For many years, he supported youth in Uganda with Christmas gift money while simultaneously sponsoring two secondary school children in Kenya through their school graduation. He was a strong advocate for “Feed the Children”.

Willie stayed true to his mission of “making something of himself”. His career flourished in the educational arena. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marymount University with academic excellence. He later earned his Masters of Arts in Teaching from Marygrove College with honors! Willie’s mother describes him as a “walking dictionary with a heart of gold”!”

Not only did Willie work for many years as a classroom educator in the Arlington Public School System, but when his health began to fail, Willie was given the privilege of working with students in a Home-school environment. He was a Special Education teacher, credentialed in all subjects for middle and high school. He also served as a substitute teacher in many schools throughout Arlington. He taught at his son, Mark’s school (Yorktown High) for more than three years as well!

Willie’s mission and subsequent challenge to “do something with his life” went beyond paid jobs as an educator. He was a true “Village Builder” who took the young men of his family (and many from his community) under his wing and gave them encouragement and opportunity to discover their true value while realizing that they have something to contribute to the Village.

A life-long dream was fulfilled when he travelled to Kenya with his wife, Rosemary and son Mark. Their marriage was blessed in Kenya by the elders, family and community. Having accepted Willie as the husband, the Village prepared a traditional, celebratory feast (called sikukuu) Rosemary also received her dowry (mahari) and the family traveled throughout Kenya.

Willie lived a life of enlightenment, encouragement, sharing and mentoring. He leaves many family members to remember his legacy and, in his word... “to carry the gauntlet:” His wife and love of his life, Rosemary Karua Dove; son, Francis Mark Karua; mother, Ruth E. Thompson Dove, of Meridian; siblings: Pamela Harmon, Meridian, MS; Lora A. Plavcan, (John), San Diego, CA; Steve Dove (Katrina), Meridian, MS; Gregory Dove (Alyssa), Arlington, VA; LaShonda Lewis, Meridian, MS; Maternal Aunts and Uncle: Andressa Coleman (Hayes), Albany, NY; John Thompson (Denise), Meridian, MS; Walter Thompson, Albany, NY; Dorothy Singletary (Howard), Albany, NY; PatRose Dewar (Ken), San Diego, CA; Gwen Chamberlain, San Diego, CA; Carolyn Smith (Vernell), Virginia Beach, VA; Rebecca McCaleb, Meridian, MS. Paternal Aunt, Mary Lee Dove Taylor, Meridian, MS; Paternal Uncle, Robert Dove, Meridian, MS; three life-long friends, “Dino,” Richard Hill and Billy Holloway; and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Dear Brother Willie: may you rest in peace, (kupumzika kwa amani)