Deacon Willie James Swilley

Deacon Willie James Swilley passed away on October 31, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare Harrison in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 73 years. He was born on January 3, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Theotis and Mamie Swilley. Willie James' foundation in faith began at Victorious Believers Ministries where he was a faithful usher and deacon under Bishop Marvin C. Pryor whom he dearly loved. Deacon Swilley continued to serve faithfully under Pastor Christopher V. Pryor, whom he also loved.

Willie James was a dedicated family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. He was a man of integrity, always putting his family’s needs above his own. Whether with his prison ministry, family members, his children's friends, children in the neighborhood, or even a stranger, Willie James showed love, compassion, and guidance to several families and children as if they were his own. He was an excellent listener and would give you godly advice. He loved sports, especially baseball, and when his children were younger, he was the coach of their basketball team. Deacon Swilley was known for his infectious laughter.

He leaves to continue his legacy his lovely wife of 24 wonderful years, Doris Swilley; his son, Lamar Norman, Sr.; grandchildren, Ashley Norman, Dierra Thompson, Adrian Norman, Daijah Norman, Lamar Norman Jr., and Jordan Norman; six great-grandchildren, Daylen, Jaiden, Alivia, Gavynn, Bryson, Dere’on, and Amari; his brother, Elgin Swilley; a host of nieces including a special niece, Takesha Harris; many nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who held a special place in his heart, and miss him dearly, especially his 14th Street family - Houston Hicks, Dennis Hall, David Swilley, Issac Swilley, James Swilley, William Turner, Freddie Williams, L.J. Hayes, Zeb McCall, and Doc Underwood.

Willie James was preceded in death by his parents, Theotis and Mamie Swilley; his first wife, Carolyn Norman-Swilley; daughter, Trina Norman; son, Deon Norman; granddaughter, Chritay’sha King; grandson, Deondre Norman; brothers, Cleotis Swilley Sr., and Curtis Howard; aunt, Lillie Williams, and nephew, Cleotis Swilley, Jr.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Pastor Christopher V. Pryor and Victorious Believers Ministries Church family, and friends.