A TIME TO BE BORN: Willie was born on May 1, 1963 in Attala County at Monfort Jones Hospital to the late Theodore Collins and Iresse Nickerson Collins. He was born the magnificent nine in a family of 13 siblings and also the youngest boy. His mother precedes him in death by his parents and brothers, Henry Newell and Johnnie Ray Nickerson.

A TIME TO LIVE: Willie Ray Nickerson grew up in Kosciusko and attended Kosciusko schools. As a child, he started his faith in the Lord and got baptized at an early age in True Vine Missionary Baptist. To his children, he was a doting, engaged and loving dad. His grandchildren thought the world of him. To his brothers and sister, he was the little brother who brought joy to the family by cooking fish, bar-b-cue and boiled peanuts to honor birthdays. In the last chapter of his life , Willie surrendered his prognosis and will to God and became a model to us all. He chose to be giving, (Never complaining), extended kindness, gave generously, made amends with man and put his soul in the hands of our Father.

A TIME TO DIE: On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, Willie departed this world to enter the heavenly realms surrounded by a host of family and friends. Willie leaves to cherish his memory a devoted family that includes his cherished daughter and sons: Brittany Lee, Corey Nickerson and Raymond Manson respectively; three older brothers, James Henry Nickerson, Albert Nickerson (Betty), and Edward Charles Nickerson (Grace); six sisters, Jean Covington (Will), Joyce Rayford, Margaret Redd (Melvin), Debra Gates-Elmore, Bonny Martin (Jesse), Bobbie Collins Romero (Jose) Betty Collins; Loyal sister-in-law, Barbara Nickerson. His legacy includes five grandkids that adored their grand-daddy, Myonna, Khandi, Randy, Coran and Starr (Mrs. Attitude) and very special faithful partner to the end, Rasheika Simmons, Charles Winters (cousin) and neighbor and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

~PLACE OF SERVICE: First Baptist M.B. Church, Kosciusko, MS

~DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday 3/14/20 at 4:00 p.m.

~INTERMENT: Parkway Cemetery, Kosciusko, MS

~VISITATION: Friday 3/13/20 at 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Winters Funeral Home