Obituary of Rev. Willie Francis, Jr.

On Sunday, March 27, 2022, the Rev. Willie L. Francis, Jr., passed away peacefully at home. Willie was born on June 24, 1951 in Niles, MI to the late Willie L Francis, Sr. and Aimee L. Harris. Willie never met a stranger. He loved people and imparting his wisdom and ideas onto others. He enjoyed family time, fishing, movies, firing up the grill, reading his bible, watching the discovery channel about animals, people, places and things. Willie was the second child of three. Willie’s employment included Rent-a-Center in Benton Harbor, of which he loved being of service to his customers and General Manager at Aarons Rent-to-Own. He was ordained as a Deacon on September 4, 2005 at New Good Hope Baptist under the leadership of Pastor James I. Robinson. He served there faithfully until he moved his membership to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Willie continued to serve faithfully at Mt. Olive as a Deacon until he was called into Ministry as Asst. Pastor to Rev. Fletcher McAfee. This mentorship grew into a father/son relationship that Willie cherished. Willie was ordained as a Minister on August 11, 2013. Willie was united in Holy Matrimony on June 30, 1973 to the love of his life, Michele Elaine Hatcher. To this union there were two children. Willie is survived by Michele, his loving and devoted wife of 49 years; his two children, Stephanie Francis of Lansing, Michigan and Steven Francis of Buchanan, Michigan; two sisters, Betty Francis of St. Joseph, Michigan and Marcia McGuirt of Buchanan, Michigan; four grandchildren, Joshua Francis of Mesa, Arizona, Javarri (Melissa) Beachum of Diamondhead, Mississippi, Brianna Francis of Panama City, Florida and Brayden Dewaters of Niles, Michigan; his dog Jack; several nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends. Willie was preceded in death by his Parents. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church at 2262 Moulder Drive in Niles with Rev. Fletcher McAfee officiating. A time of visitation will begin on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. The family has asked that everyone in attendance to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Condolences and memories of Willie may be left for his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.