Willie Thorpe Jr.

On February 1, 2025, Willie Thorpe Jr. passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home. For 93 years, he was a devout husband, father, and family member, as well as a reliable neighbor and friend.

Life began for Willie on October 4, 1931 in Berea, North Carolina. He was the first child born to Willie Thorpe Sr. and Lissie Lyon, nine siblings following after him. Starting as a young boy, he worked on a farm, picking tobacco. During his fifth year of grade school, his father sadly passed away. Becoming the new patriarch of the family, Willie Thorpe Jr. ended his education to help his mother provide for and raise his younger siblings.

During his teenage years, he met the love of his life, Willie Bea Allen. They married in 1955 and would go on to be married for 69 years. Searching for better job opportunities, they relocated up north in 1955 to Pottstown, PA, the first in the family to do so. Willie and his wife welcomed four children in the world, two boys and two girls. He loved being a father and husband, and he did everything he could for his family.

Willie was a God-fearing man who served the Lord wholeheartedly. He constantly stated “anything is possible with God.” Upon moving to Pottstown, Willie became a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Immediately after joining the church, he became a trustee where he served for 60 years. He was a devoted member and quickly became the church’s go-to for everything. Friendship Baptist was his second home.

Besides home and church, he loved spending his time working at The Wyndcroft School. Willie worked as a custodian for 55 years, retiring in 2019. The students and staff looked up to him very much. He was known by the students for his warm greeting as they entered school every day.

He leaves to cherish his memory, 4 children, Willie Thorpe III, Joseph Thorpe, Tammy Thorpe, and Marla Thorpe all of Pottstown, PA; 7 grandchildren (Nyanna, Saniya, Dayon, Trystan, Breanna, Taya, Tia); 2 great grandchildren (Luca, Artemas); 3 brothers Wallace Thorpe (Ora Mae) of Stem, NC; Johnnie Thorpe (Late Helen Thorpe) and Nelson Thorpe (Late Dorothy “Maxine” Thorpe) both of Pottstown, PA; 4 sisters, Susie Mae Cooper (Late Clee Cooper) of Stem, NC; Gertrude Thorpe of Harlem, NY; Florine Stinson (Randy) and Lillie Bea Jones (Elijah, Sr.) both of Pottstown, PA; 4 sisters-in-law, Lucy Sanford (John William) of Butner, NC; Minnie Vinson of Lancaster, PA; Virgina Ruffin (Late Carl Ruffin) of York, PA, and Geraldine June (Franklin) of Mitchellville, MD; 2 brothers-in-law, Thomas Allen, Jr. (Helen) of South Hill, VA and Bobby Allen of Oxford, NC. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Elbert Lee Thorpe and Alexander Thorpe.