Willie James Files, Jr.

Willie James Files Jr, “Sqirt”, was born on December 30, 1973 to Sarah Louise Johnson Files and Willie James Files Sr. He grew up a handsome young man full of life, love, and passion. His fondest memories of childhood were days spent at his grandmother’s, Arie Johnson, or his aunt’s, Ida Bell Cotton, homes with his cousins Kenneth (Maine), Dexter (Bookat), Joe (Boody), Roslyn(Lady), Sarah (Shay), and Linda (Lynn). He attended Glen Oaks Elementary School, Rutledge Middle School, and Midfield High School where he was an avid athlete playing basketball and football. While growing up, it was rare that you saw him without his cherished younger brother Reginald “Jay” Files, lifelong best friend/brother LaDarick “Debo” Patton, or one of his dearest cousins, Ronald Johnson. While attending Midfield High School, he met Mattie Smith and had his one and only child, Arie’, named after his grandmother.

Willie went through difficult transitions as a teenager that resulted in him being incarcerated. He completed the requirements for his GED at the J.F. Ingram Institute during his time in prison. Upon his release, he worked at Associated Grocer’s Warehouse and Karma Construction before becoming disabled. He also rededicated his life to Christ and became a member of True Agape Faith Strong Deliverance Ministry. 

Willie reconnected with his elementary school sweetheart, Nicole May, later in his life and love blossomed anew. Days spent together enjoying their children and grandchildren were the highlights of his final years. Their home was often filled with their grandboys: Zaiden, Zarr, Jeremiah, and Gerald Jr (Lil G); their children: Arie, Gerald & Kenyata, and Tamara; and their niece Regina for family dinners, movie nights and weekend sleepovers. Grandaddy, as he was affectionately called, was always on duty and willing to be there for the children. Willie’s silly and affectionate nature brought immense joy, laughter, fun and memories that they will all cherish. 

After having major surgery, Willie fought back illness and sickness on his road to recovery. His Mother, a retired nurse, stayed by his side during his last lengthy hospital stay, with support from his fiance’ Nicole, to nurse him back to health. Willie went back to his childhood home to recuperate under the guidance and skill of his devoted Mommy, however God had other plans.  God saw his suffering and pain and called His child home on the morning of April 18, 2021.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Sarah Files; his father, Willie (Brenda) Files Sr; a devoted sweetheart, Nicole May; a beautiful daughter, Arie Smith; handsome grandboys, “My Boys’ Zaiden and Zarr Florence and Jeremiah, Lil G, and Drew May; cherished brother, Reginald Files; adoring niece, Regina Williams Rodgers; adopted sister, Desiree Williams; loving aunts and uncles: Bishop Valeria Moon, Pastor Ida (Charles) Cotton, Evangelist Annie Johnson, Evangelist Margaret (Louis) Rodgers, Annie Mae Johnson, Patricia Shaw, Ronald ( Valerie) Johnson Sr, Carl (Priscilla) Johnson, L.T. Bradley, Teresa Files and Martha Files; and a host of godsisters, godbrothers, beloved cousins, family and friends. 

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