Willie James Birton

Willie Birton, age 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, he was a man of great character and kindness. Born in Blaine, Mississippi, Willie spent his formative years in Ypsilanti, Michigan, before making South Bend, Indiana, his home for the majority of his life; this is where he met his lovely wife, Darcel. A skilled and hardworking self-employed master mechanic and truck driver, Willie dedicated his life to his craft and to those he loved. His hands not only repaired engines but also built a legacy of love, wisdom, and generosity.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse James and Mary Ann Birton; his siblings Jesse Birton, Henry Birton, Anthony (Tony) Birton, Janice Marie Jones (Rick), and Vanessa Dale Taylor (Stanley); children - Ernestine Birton, and Wauketa Birton.

He leaveS behind his beloved wife, Darcel Birton; his cherished children Willie Birton Jr, Chantress Birton, Leah Birton, Derrick Birton, Janey Hister(Steve), and Silvia Ellington; step-children Mark Ross (Marcea), Alice Ross, DaShawn Davis (Kayla); siblings Marjorie Edwards, Addie Lewis, Prentice Birton, Janet Dobbs (Raymond), Rosemary Frye (Larry), Ernestine Lewis (Willie); and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, a special friend Leslie Elias and many dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

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