Willie Thomas Lindsey

Willie Thomas Lindsey, Sr. was welcomed by his family, John and Leola Lindsey on February 10, 1928, in Lilesville, North Carolina. Willie helped his dad with farming on the family farm during his early childhood. Education was important to Willie so he sought education on his own during his free time in between working on the farm with his father. At age 16, Willie asked his dad for permission to leave the farm to start a life on his own and come to the city of Portsmouth, Virginia with two of his relatives. Willie started life in Portsmouth, Virginia being employed in various jobs starting at the State Movie Theatre on High Street. He then worked for a furniture company and at Swift Meat Company. Later, he landed career employment with the United States Post Office where he excelled in many positions and promotions and then retired after 31 years of service. While Willie was employed at the movie theatre, he met Etta Williams, whom he married in 1948. During this loving marriage, they were overjoyed and blessed with a family of five (5) children, Willie, Jr., Linda, Valerie, Vernon and Monique. In 1972, Willie’s wife Etta, passed away and he turned his focus and attention to raising his younger children and his job at the post office. Willie was a long-standing member of Noble Street Baptist Church, Noble Street Male Choir, Cottage Prayer Band, and Noon Day Pray; a member of various organizations, such as Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Tidewater Metro Laymen’s League, and Lott Carey Conventions, to name a few. Years later Willie met Della Childs, whom he married in 1976, widening his love of family with her, his children and her two children. They enjoyed life together and their senior years traveling, volunteering, visiting and spending time with family and relatives. Willie transitioned from his natural life into everlasting spiritual life on November 1, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Leola Lindsey; wives Etta Lindsey and Della Childs Lindsey; daughter Linda Lindsey Beckett; son Anthony Childs; two brothers John Edward Lindsey, Horace Lindsey and two sisters Elizabeth Ingram and Rosetta Harrington. Willie leaves in remembrance his ambitious spirit towards life and success with education to his children Willie Lindsey, Jr. (Mary); Valerie Lindsey Richards; Vernon Lindsey (Jean); Monique Lindsey Smith; Pastor Bruce Childs (Gwen); brothers Howard Lindsey, Kenneth Lindsey, J T. Lindsey and sister Bernice Bennett; 15 Grandchildren; 34 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great Great Grandchildren; and a huge host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Willie Thomas Lindsey

February 10, 1928 - November 1, 2024