Willie Ray Jeffries earned his wings on January 21, 2022 at the young age of 55. Willie was born, November 17, 1966, in Jackson, Michigan to the late Josephine Berry and William Berry Sr. Willie received Christ early in life under the late Rev. WG Wade of Lily Missionary Baptist Church. Willie loved to sing and sung in the church choir during his early years. Willie also sung in the school choir at Jackson High School where he attended from 1982 to 1984. Willie had a love for sports, playing pickup games at Rotary Park and umpiring for the Southeast Baseball league. Willie was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan Football Team and he enjoyed witnessing his team’s 2021, win over rival team Ohio State.
Willie had a strong personality, and loved to talk. He had no qualms with communicating with strangers and had a smile and laugh that was infectious. Prior to his passing, Willie was employed by Popeye’s Chicken, where he served as a Crew Leader. Willie could be observed riding around Jackson visiting friends and family throughout the city. Willie was extremely close with his only sister Connie, who passed away 97 days prior to his death. After his sister’s passing, Willie helped to watch over and care for his niece Jessica, who he loved and adored.
Willie was proceeded in death by his parents, Josephine and William Berry Sr., sister Connie Louise Jeffries, aunt Ethel Lee Dale and special cousins, Joseph Jeffries and Terrica Reese.
Willie will be missed by his brother William Berry Jr. (Sabrina) of Gilbert, AZ., Only surviving aunt Betty Jean Jeffries, nieces and nephews: Jessica L. Berry, Natasha N. Berry, Tierra, O'Shay, A'Shaun, Attoria and Omar Berry. Great-grand nieces and nephews: Jeremiah and JaNiyah Bennett, My’erra, A'mya, Michael Harris and Kash Alexander Berry. Special friend Nadine Poole, Mentor/Spiritual Father, James Suddeth, Lifelong friend, Victor Powell along with a host of cousins and friends.
The Berry and Jeffries family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support, along with your expressions of kindness, extended to us during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, words of encouragement, heartfelt sympathy, telephone calls, visits and all other acts of kindness have brought strength and solace to us. At the family’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, the family asks for your continued prayers during this time of bereavement. We pray that God blesses each and every one of you.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18