Willie James Wesley

Obituary For Willie James Wesley

“OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY”

Willie James Wesley, affectionately known to his beloved family as “Wankie” was born in Hampton County, South Carolina on December 26,1945 to the late Porter Wesley and the late Hattie Mae Williams Wesley.

“Wankie” obeyed the gospel at an early age and became a member of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church.

He attended the public schools in Gifford, South Carolina. In 1963, he

relocated to New Jersey. While in New Jersey, “Wankie” was drafted in the United States Army on October 12, 1965. He served his country faithfully with dignity and pride. “Wankie” served in the Vietnam War from March 1966 – August 1, 1967.

He was united in marriage to the late Jeannette Hankerson Wesley, and this union was blessed with one child.

On September 4, 1993, he united in holy matrimony to Luester Frazier Wesley.

He was employed with Garden State Container for over 30 years as a truck driver.

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Veterans Memorial Home; Paramus, New Jersey, he quietly moved into his last great adventure.

In addition to his parents, “Wankie” is preceded in death by (1) Son: Jarvis P. Beckett; (1) Grandson: William Wolf; (2) Brothers: Cleveland Wesley and Joseph Wesley; (3) additional siblings; (1) Son – In – Law: Russell West; (1) Brother – In – Law: Donald Gray; (1) Sister – In – Law: Verta Hankerson.

Mourning his loss, yet rejoicing his life’s legacy are his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Luester Frazier Wesley; Irvington, NJ; (7) Children: Monica Hankerson – (William Gregory) Hicks; Columbia, SC; Shelia Gardner West; Willie James (Lakeisha Richardson) Wesley, Jr.; all of Jersey City, NJ; Gloria Jean Dorch; Augusta, GA; Dara Jones; Orange, NJ; Tamara Christmas; Irvington, NJ; Thomas Christmas; Linden, NJ; (17) Grandchildren; (22) Great – Grandchildren; (3) Great – Great Grandchildren; (2) Brothers: Leroy (Deloris) Wesley; Gifford, SC; Willie Lee (Carolyn) Wesley; Varnville, SC; (2) Sisters: Lillie Gray; Gifford, SC and Linda (Johnnie) Green; Varnville, SC; (1) loving and devoted aunt: Mary Famularo; Mother – In – Law: Julia Frazier; Estill, SC; (1) Brother – In – Law: Glen Edward (Teisha) Frazier; Estill, SC; (4) Sisters– In – Law: Jeanette Frazier; Estill, SC; Hattie Dixson, Edith Hankerson Wright, and Lillie Hankerson Thompson all of Gifford, SC; A host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and sympathizing friends.

"A SERVICE ABOVE SELF"

Please remember to keep the Wesley family lifted in prayer.

You may email condolences to: mfrileysfuneralhome@yahoo.com