Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA
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Obituary For Willie Kent
Willie Kent was the sixth child born to the union of the late Albert Kent and the late Sarah (Ziegler) Kent in Sylvania, Georgia.
He received his early formal education in the Screven County, Georgia School District.
Throughout his childhood he attended the St. Paul Baptist Church in Sylvania, Georgia.
While in Georgia he met Agnes Wright and they were united in holy matrimony on September 15, 1948. Their union was blessed with five children; Willie James “Pete” and Olamae “Sister” who are both deceased; Mary, Steven and Marie.
Seeking a better life for his family, he relocated to Steelton, Pennsylvania in 1951 where he accepted employment from the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. In 1957, he joined the Beulah Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Wallace C. Carter. Under the leadership of Reverend J. C. Wallace, he became a member of the Usher Board, Men’s Choir and Trustee Board where he served as the Chairman. In 1994, he was chosen to serve as a Deacon. During his time on the Deacon Board, he was appointed as Diaconate Chairman in March 2010, where he served faithfully and unwaveringly. He was not easily swayed by “he say, she say”. He spoke the truth and stood his ground. Oftentimes, you would hear him say “do the right thing”. He served in other church ministries including, but not limited to Bible Study, Tuesday Noon Day Bible Study and Sunday School. One of the high points of his work at Beulah was to serve on the Pulpit Search Committee that brought the Reverend Dr. Leon X. Eichelberger I to serve as pastor of the Beulah Baptist Church. One of the things that his wife and children can attest to is that he truly loved the Lord and he loved to serve Beulah. His favorite scripture was Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; his favorite songs were “Lead Me Jesus, Lead Me”; “99 ½ Won’t Do”and “Don’t Let No Rocks Cry Out For Me”.
While serving as a devoted member of the Beulah Baptist Church, he continued to be a loving husband, faithful father and provider, as well as a supportive grandfather, uncle and brother to his large extended family. Even as a mentor to his family, they would hear him say “Do the right thing”.
Deacon Kent was blessed to retire from Local 1180 as a laborer after 35 years of service, but he never retired from doing the Lord’s work. Even so, Deacon Kent served as Church Sexton along with his wife Deaconess Kent for many, many years after his retirement from Local 1180.
In his leisure, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed watching westerns and even the soap operas; “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and Beautiful”. Several times a month, he and Deaconess Kent would fellowship with the Broad Street Market vendors on Saturday mornings.
On Monday, January 23, 2023, Deacon Willie Kent, affectionately called “Doug” or “Kent”, at the age of 92, peacefully transitioned from the arms of his loving wife to the arms of his Savior, Jesus.
In addition to his parents and two of his children, his siblings, Ella L. Kent Williams, Margaret Ann Kent, Arlenza Hopkins, Hiva and grandson, Frankie Kent preceded him in death. Cherishing the precious memories of his life, his wife of 74 years, Agnes Kent; his children, Mary Kent, Steven Kent and Marie Coleman; his sister, Duralee Alexander; his three grandchildren, Agnes "Nicy" Switzer, Theresa Kent and Myleah Coleman; his ten great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Deacon Kent's life will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of his church, Beulah Baptist Church, 100 Livingston Street, Steelton, PA 17113 with viewing and visitation 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
Ministry of Comfort entrusted to the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home Corp.
COVID-19 Guidelines will be observed with face masks for all attendees.
Guest Book
To Agnes and all her family we send our deepest condolences. We will keep you in our hearts and in our prayers. Agnes, we always love you and miss you. You were always very good to our mother, Sylvia and we always cherish and remember your love and loyalty to her. Warmly, and with love, Jay and Sandy Bodenstein, The Villages Florida.
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prayers to the family fond memories from south 13th street SHEILA JULIUS
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My sincere sympathy goes out to my family in pennsylvania , I love you all dearly ,uncle Doug lived a long good life and I know he's going to be truly missed. Aunt Agnes ,Mary, Steve, Marie, and all the grands and great-grands he's with our Lord savior and the rest of the family making everyone laugh. I Love You all. Jannie Williams Miami, Florida
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Ms Agnes & family my condolences to you on the loss of your loved one. Michele Danner Morrison
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To the Kent Family, My condolences to your all. May God keep and comfort you in your time of need. Sending my love and prayers. Janine Garnett
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To the Kent Family, My condolences to you all. Sending love and prayers. God Bless you.
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To the Kent Family, My condolences to you all. Sending love and prayers. God Bless you.
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To the Kent Family; May the memories you shared with Deacon Kent be your strength in the days to come and there no one around to comfort you. Know that he lived his life to the fullest. And though weepings may endure for a little while; joy does come in the morning. Deacons Robert & Dolores Holmes & Family.
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Dear Mother and Kent Family, Saddened but not despaired for we know where "Captain" now resides. May the peace and comfort of the Holy Ghost keep you. Much love, Pastor Eichelberger and Sister Joy
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Dear Family, We are saddened but not despaired because we know "Captain" is resting in the bosom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! May the Holy Spirit comfort you and keep you. Much love to our darling Mother and the entire Kent Family, Pastor Eichelberger and Sister Joy
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Dear Family, We are saddened but not despaired because we know "Captain" is resting in the bosom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! May the Holy Spirit comfort you and keep you. Much love to our darling Mother and the entire Kent Family, Pastor Eichelberger and Sister Joy
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My condolences to the Kent family may he rest easy God bless
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Prayers and condolences to the family
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My condolences to the family may you rest easy
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Grandpop I love you and I will miss you dearly
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Grandpop I will miss you dearly🥰 Thank you for always loving me. Thank you for taking care of my dad. I have so many memories and this life will never be the same. I'm gonna miss you not picking up the phone when I call. Rest asure that I will see you again. Forever my Grandpop Theresa
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Fair thee well Poppa Kent aka Dad Kent. You fought a good fight and you kept the faith...You became very dear to our family from the day God directed us to Beulah for our season of Ministry, and took on the role as dad/ granddad to us all! We saw the greatness that you were as a Deacon, husband, father, and all around Man of God with a gentleness and heart of love! So we solute and honor you today and always, and will continue praying for and being there with and for Momma Kent, Mary, Marie, and all the family. Love you family and pray God's Peace and Strength be with you All❤️🙏🏾❤️
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My condolences to the family Rest in peace Mr Kent . THE Jones Family 🙏❤❤
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Offering my deepest condolences to the entire Kent family. Deacon Kent was such a good, faithful man. Truly an inspiration for all of us blessed to know him. Ms. Agnes, please be comforted by the knowledge that you now have a forever guardian angel. Mary, Steven and Marie...May God's Peace surround and comfort your hearts as well. Robin Williams (long ago Cole Crest neighbor)
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To Deacon Kent's Family: Love is Stronger than Sorrow and Deeper than time. Love is forever. Honoring the life of someone so special and sending thoughts of sympathy and peace.
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My sincere condolences to the Kent you were truly blessed to have a man who was truly committed to serving the lord. Harry East
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA