Willie Nolen

Willie B. Nolen was born on July 1, 1930 in Winona, Mississippi to Isabell Nolen.  Willie B was raised by his maternal grandmother, Susie Larry.  On June 30, 2021 Willie B pulled off mortality and put on immortality, making his transition to his heavenly home.

Willie was a veteran of the United States Army where he served with great honor.  After completion of his military obligation he moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Willie B accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age.  He was a member of the Community Church of God in Christ in Benton Harbor under the leadership of Bishop Nathaniel C. Wells, Sr., Bishop Nathaniel Wells, Jr., and currently under the leadership of the Rev. Nathaniel Wells and Lady Trina Wells.

Willie B loved gospel music, laughing, and joking with family and friends.  He was liked by many and loved by all.

Precious memories of his life will forever live in the heart of his daughter, Merry ‘Patricia’ Stevenson who survives.  Also surviving to mourn his passing are his grandsons, Torolla ‘Jack’ Walker and Marico ‘Rico’ Walker, and granddaughter, Matessia ‘Shae’ Jackson; ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; Willie B’s brothers, Rev. Booker T. Shannon and Willie James Shannon, and sister Shirley Holiday; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a wonderful circle of great friends.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather Sylvester Shannon Sr. and mother Isabell (Nolen) Shannon; and by brothers Sylvester Shannon, Jr., and Eddie Lee Shannon, and sisters Mattie Richardson, Mary Hunt, Laura Robinson, Judy Powell, Earnestine Tyler, Louella Shannon, and Martha Ann Shannon. He was especially close with his uncle Lee Nolen, who also preceded him in death.

Full Military Honors for Willie B. Nolen will be conducted at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.  Those wishing to attend in-person are asked to arrive at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday when the motorcade will be assembled just inside the main gate service along the boulevard of flags.  The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices/.

A repast will be offered at the Lake Michigan Gardens, 2584 East Napier Avenue in Benton Harbor.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

“Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all.  If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.”