Willie Perry Hamlet departed this life on February 17, 2012 at Annie Penn Memorial Hospital.

Willie was the second oldest of seven sons and one daughter born to the late Novel and Minnie Roach Hamlet, in Wesley, West Virginia in 1920. The family later moved to Reidsville, North Carolina where he spent the rest of his life. Leaving school after the sixth grade to help his mother support the family following his father's passing, Willie would later serve his country in the United States Army for two years. Upon his honorable discharge, he found employment at the American Tobacco Company. He retired in 1985 following 43 years of dedicated service.


Willie was a dedicated member of Jerusalem United Holiness Church for over 70 years. Family and the church was his life. During his many years of service, he was a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent for over 30 years, a member of the deacon board (chairman for more than 20 years), trustee board, men's fellowship, and the male chorus. He was often known to sing solos in church, a service he joyfully provided.


In addition to his mother and father, his six brothers preceded him in death: James, Charlie, Fred, Arthur, Clarence, and John.

Willie Hamlet leaves to mourn and cherish his memory: Ruth Novella Hamlet, his devoted wife of 72 years; sister, Margaret Hamlet of Reidsville; five children - Mrs. Williette Durant (Sam), Philadelphia, Pa.; Mrs. Jacquelyn Dorsey (Nathaniel), Capitol Heights, Md.; Larry E. Hamlet, Sr. (Elizabeth), Mitchellville, Md.; Danny E. Hamlet, Sr., Upper Marlboro, Md.; Dr. Janice Denise Hamlet, Sycamore, IL.; and honorary daughter and sister, Mrs. Sandra Slade, Reidsville; eight grandchildren: Nicole McLaurin (Kevin); Novella R. Dorsey, Nathaniel Dorsey, Jr., Larry Hamlet, Jr., Shawnte Hamlet, Krystal Hamlet, Danny Hamlet, Jr., and Michael Hamlet; four great grandchildren: Gelisa McLaurin, Luther Perkins, Zian Perkins, Nathaniel Dorsey, III, Makel Rollins; cherished cousin: Mrs. Jennifer Watlington, Reidsville; in addition to treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 25 at Jerusalem United Holiness Church at noon. There will be a visitation prior to the service beginning at 11:30. Burial will follow in the Roselawn Cemetery, Reidsville, NC.

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