- Date Of Birth: December 5, 1931
- Date Of Death: January 5, 2021
- State: Maryland
Willie B. Prophet, Sr., aka, “Pop” was born in Perry, South Carolina on December 5, 1931, to the late Frank Prophet and Eartharine Gordon.
Pop came to Washington, DC in his early 20’s and took his first job as a cab driver in DC where he experienced his first encounter of racism and was tempted to return to the South. He met his first wife, Mattie Adams when she got into his cab one day. He said, “She got in his cab and never got out”. With this first union Willie and Mattie had five children, Willie Jr., David (deceased), Deborah, Joseph, and Kevin. Pop worked for over 50 years as a skilled, well-known carpet layer at Woodmont Carpet Co. before he retired. He had an exceptional work ethic that he endeavored to pass on to his next generation.
He was later united in matrimony to Della Girst Board and they moved to Roanoke, VA, where he lived for 30 years. Willie became a devoted and trusted member for 22 years of Staunton Avenue Church of God under Reverend Pastor Rawleigh Quarles. Willie served in the following ministries of the church; Trustee, Church Van Driver, member of the Angelic Choir, member of a gospel singing group, and a member of the church Food Bank. After the passing of his second wife, he came back home to DC to live with his daughter Deborah and Son-in-Law Larry. He became a member of Victory Christian Ministries International in Suitland, Maryland under Pastors Tony and Cynthia Brazelton.
Pop will always be known for his kind, giving nature and his quick wit. He was a generous person, always with his hand out ready to give. He was mild mannered, who you never heard raise his voice. Pop was a man of a few words.
He loved to watch his Christian television programs, watch game shows, soap operas and the Washington Football Team. Even when his health was declining, Pop was determined to hang onto his car keys. In his final week of life, he still wanted to play his lottery numbers. He was a very humble and appreciative man. He often thanked his children for the love and care they gave him. They could often hear him pray before he went to bed at night, thanking God for his children and God’s Love and mercy. Willie B. Prophet transitioned peacefully on January 5, 2021, at Genesis HealthCare in Waldorf, MD.
He leaves to cherish his love, five children Willie B. Prophet, Jr. (Veronica) of Clinton, MD; Deborah Prophet-Walker (Larry) of Waldorf, MD; Joseph Prophet of Bladensburg, MD; Kevin Prophet, Sr. (Jonquil) of Upper Marlboro, MD and Glendolyn (Kitty)Pope of Atlanta, GA.;
Sixteen Grandchildren: Navarro Stroman, Chanel Prophet, David Prophet Jr., Davonte Prophet, Marc-Daniel Simmons, Jamaine Prophet, Virginia Simmons, TaNya Prophet, Crystal Simmons, Gabriel Prophet, Jorrel Prophet, Jeremiah Prophet, Janai Prophet, Kevin Prophet, Jr., Ashlea Pope, and Kristina Pope;
Eight Great Grandchildren:, Braedon, Nadia, Natavia, London, Paris, Roman, Camden and Kaiden; One Brother: Clifton Prophet of Washington, DC; Four Sisters: Laura (Joseph) Lewis of Ft. Washington, MD; Barbara (James) Norfleet; Rosetta Prophet of Washington DC; and Gwendolyn (Willie) Johnson of Upper Marlboro, MD. Family that preceded him in death were his parents Frank Prophet and Eartharine Gordon Prophet; his wife: Della Girst Prophet of Roanoke, VA; one son David Prophet; three brothers: Bennie Prophet, James Prophet, Frank Prophet and two sisters, Jeanette Prophet Franklin and Juanita Prophet, nieces, nephews, other relatives, family and friends.
