Willie James Elsberry was born October 23, 1932 (October 31, according to his mom) to Matthew and Mattie Lee Patsy Williams in Montgomery, Alabama. Willie was one of five known siblings who have all preceded him in death.
Willie attended Dunbar High School and obtained his GED. He then joined the United States Army in 1953 serving 26 years until his retirement in 1979. He served in Vietnam along with numerous assignments in multiple countries and cities. During his military career, he was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Occupational Medal (Germany) amongst others. After retirement, Willie returned to school obtaining his Associates Degree from El Paso Community College in 1984, where he was also employed for several years.
Willie was an avid card player (pinochle to be exact); he enjoyed fishing, going to the casino and was a student of the game of baseball.
Surrounded by his loving family, Willie answered his Father's call to come to rest, transitioning on April 3, 2022, to his heavenly home.
Arlillian Alma Lamb Elsberry, the mother of his three daughters. His son, Willie George Moore of Montgomery, Alabama and his great-grandson Titus "Peanut" Battle of El Paso preceded him in death.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories: three children: Arvis Cassandra Elsberry Jones, Karen Renée Elsberry Johnson (Dwight) and Sonia Faye Elsberry all of El Paso, Texas. Five grandchildren, Taron S. Johnson, Kristal Nicole Johnson Battle (Trent), Daniel Dwight Johnson, Chisan Dominick Jones (Erin), Matthew D'Xavier Jones. Six great-grandchildren: Janin Desean Battle, Deklan Jaquis Battle, Taylyn Devannae Battle, Jaiyana Kimberly D'Willow Jones, Levi Chisan Jones, Rowan Dominique Jones and a host of family and friends.
The Elsberry Family will be receiving family and friends for Visitation on April 23, 2022 from 9am to 10am with funeral services to follow at 10am at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn at 8817 Dyer St. Interment to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery 4848 Alps.
