OBITUARY of Willie Lee Roquemore

Willie Lee Roquemore was born August 1, 1923 to Clayton Roquemore, Sr., and Fannie Brice Roquemore in Bivins, TX. He was the fourth child of eleven. He left this earth to join his heavenly Father on February 22, 2014.

On September 12, 1946, he united in marriage with Emma Mitchell. To this union two children were born, JaLinda and Fay. He lovingly acknowledged as "children in heart', Brenda Thorp and Lawrence Bennett.

He loved the Lord and accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age at St. Paul Baptist Church, Bivins, TX. He was a faithful servant at Morning Star Baptist Church in Pasco, WA, where he served as an usher for 63 years, progressing to Chief Usher. He was recognized with distinguished awards of "50+Years As A Dedicated Door Keeper" by the Tri-State Baptist Association in 2012, and "Faithful Servant to the Usher Board Department" by Morning Star Baptist Church. Willie graduated from Perfection High School in TX, and attended Columbia Basin College. He served in the army from 1943 to 1946. He moved from Tacoma, WA to Pasco, WA in 1948, and in 1954 became a resident of Richland, WA. Willie was chosen to appear on the Northwest Public Television to tell the story of his World War II experience. He was named Grand Marshall of the 2012 Juneteenth Parade. After 33 years of service never being sick or forgetting his employee badge, Willie retired as a supervisor from Battelle Pacific National Northwest Laboratory. Some may describe Willie as a quiet gentle soul that was always showing consideration and love for others. Known to his siblings as "Fat Boy", Willie loved to tend to his rose and vegetable gardens and shared them with others, as well as his sense of humor. Willie had his own system of living, church on Sunday, rest on Monday, laundry on Wednesday, called his relatives on Friday and Sunday afternoons he listened to his spiritual music and sermons on tape.

Cherishing his memory is his daughter, JaLinda Roquemore of Seattle, WA; son in heart, Lawrence Bennett of Pasco WA; four grandchildren; Edwin Brooks of Federal Way, WA; Makeesh Brooks of Seattle, WA; Jametra Bell of Pasco, WA; and Javon Roquemore of Everett, WA; ten great grandchildren; sisters, Goldie Cheathan and Erma Tucker of Chicago, IL; Ola Lewis of Bivins, TX; two brothers and sisters-in-laws, Fred and Theresa Roquemore of Huges, TX and Clayton and Jean Roquemore , Jr., of Kildare, TX; step-brothers, Harold Riley of Detroit, MI; and Rayfield Riley of Menlo Park, CA; brother-in-law, Dennis Weaver of Fort Worth, TX; sister-in-law, Daisy Roquemore of Pesco, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Emma; daughter, Fay; daughter-in-heart Brenda Thorp; his parents; his siblings, Vern Weaver, Prentis Roquemore, Saul Roquemore, Clyde Roquemore, James Roquemore, Melvin Riley and Bernice Tyson.

Visitation will be held at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland on Friday, February 28, 2014, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. The funeral will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 631 South Douglas Street in Pasco at 11:00 a.m. with one hour visitation prior to the service. A graveside service will immediately follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.