Deacon Willie Harvey Major Sr.

Deacon Willie Harvey Major Sr. was called home to the Lord on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at Riverside Hospital. Willie Major Sr. was born April 26,1947 to the late Charles H. Major Sr. and Ida K. Major. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles H. Major Jr., George R. Major, Walter Eugene Major and Carl Major Sr., his daughter, Angela L. Major and his wife Rose Drew Major. 

Willie graduated Westside High School in 1967 and 1968 he attended Norfolk State University. He married his sweetheart, Rose D. Major on July 31, 1970 and had three children. Following his attendance at Norfolk State University, he worked at General Electric as a Production Operator for 14 years. After the closing of General Electric, he began working for Hoechst Celanese as Chemical Control Operator for 20 years. The company eventually changed their name to BASF Corporation at the time of his retirement. 

Willie was a dedicated and faithful member of Mount Tabor Church of God in Christ, where he served faithfully at different capacities at the church. Under the leadership of Apostle Clarence Sellers Sr., he became a deacon in the mid-1980’s. He was so giving of his time, so dependable and trustworthy, that he became the Chairman of the Deacon’s Board under the leadership of Bishop Clarence Sellers Jr. Anything he could do to help at the church, he would. From praying, reading scriptures, teaching, cutting the grass, cleaning, fixing things, or helping where there was a need. In the last few years, he remained in the comfort of his family while dealing with health issues. 

He is survived by his son, Willie H. Major Jr., his daughter, Marcia C. Major, and his three grandchildren, Minyara D. Coleman, Aasin R. Major, Alexis C. Major and a great grandson, Elijah Noah Richardson, all of Smithfield, VA. He is also survived by a brother, LeRoy Major of Carrollton, VA; sisters, Carleen Lane (Roy) of Surry, VA and Ida Hunt (Will) of Smithfield, VA; sister- in-laws, Doretha Major and Elsie Major, both of Smithfield, VA and one brother-in-law, Samuel Drew (Tami) of Smithfield, VA, along with a host of aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, August 03, 2022 at Mt. Tabor COGIC, Smithfield, VA at 11am. Viewing will take place on Tuesday, August 02, 2022 at Shivers Funeral Chapel from 3-6pm. Please keep the Major family in your prayers.