Willie Kent

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.

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