Willie Swearengen

Mr. Willie B. Swearengen, better known as “Sweet Willie” or “Little Willie”, went home to be with the Lord May 14, 2021 at Covenant Healthcare at age 65 years. He was born February 4, 1956 in Oakland, Yalobusha , Mississippi to Henry and Cora Lee Swearengen.

He first worked at his Aunt Moline store at the young age of 14 in West Helena, Arkansas. Coming to Michigan in the late ‘70s, he worked as a Chef at Maxa's Galleria Catering Service, and later at Target, Burlington, and a doctor's office on Fashion Square Blvd. in Saginaw, Michigan. Willie’s hands were blessed and he was good at mechanics work and carpentry.

Willie was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church and a lead singer in the choir. He was also a part of a Gospel Band called "The Word of Sword ".

Willie enjoyed dancing and spending time with family and friends. Whenever anyone was in need, Willie was there. He was his sister’s backbone when it came to taking care of their dear Mother. He was the jokester of the family. He always knew how to put you in a good mood, and for that he will be cherished and truly missed by family and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Henry Swearengen; grandparents, Emma and Nathaniel Jakes; brothers, Jim L. Swearengen, Tracy Sidney, Terry Sidney, David Sidney; sister, Vera Swearengen; aunts, Dorothy Ware, Rebecca Clemons, Moline Jakes, Catherin Young; uncles, Percy Jakes, Eddie Jakes, Freddie Jakes; fiancé of 27 years, Lillie Letitia Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Cora Lee Swearengen; three daughters, Monique Shekneen Williams, Jessica Lillie Letitia Williams, Corrine Cora Lena Williams; three stepdaughters, Valeria Benson, Brittney Benson, Diamond Benson; eight grandchildren, Daveon Willie Williams, Kiara Lillie Macon, Kyrie Williams, Kamani Harris, soon to arrive Kareem Harris, Madisyn Tarver, Masyn Tarver, Jhannyah Baker; brothers, John (Fphlisia) Swearengen, Ivory Swearengen, Eddie (Toya) Sidney; sister, Corrine Mitchner; special nieces, Cherel (Anthony) Land, Laterrika Swearengen; special nephew, Tyrone Riley; special friends, Mike Maxa, DJ Morgan, Mac and Pat Young; loving companion for twelve years, Connie Wenner; many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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