Willie Shivers Jr.

Willie Shivers, Jr. 78, transitioned from this life Friday, October 9, 2020 at his residence. The youngest son born to the late Willie Shivers Sr. and Flora Jenkins Shivers was born on Thursday, April 9, 1942 in Isle of Wight County, VA. He was the sixth of seven children. Willie attended Isle of Wight Training School until 1958 when he felt he needed to stop to aide his mother after the death of his father. He began working for Gwaltney Meat Packing Plant that year and stayed until he retired from what was later called Smithfield Foods after 47 years of service in 2005. Willie was a faithful member of Little Zion Baptist Church until his health began to fail. He loved singing in the Combined Choir and the Little Zion's Men's Choir. The congregation looked forward to what became a Christmas Tradition, hearing the three Shivers brothers sing the Temptations rendition of Silent Night. If one closed his eyes, you could have imagined the Real Temptations were singing at Little ZionWillie was always ready for duty during the annual Mother's Day breakfast at Little Zion assisting with cooking some scrumptious meals. It was a given Willie and his brother Elmo would be the ones cooking during any cookouts and/or family reunions. He took great pride and joy in serving others. Not only did Willie serve others with his cooking skills, he was just as devoted transporting family and friends or coworkers to and from work, grocery shopping, school activities or doctor's appointments. He never appeared to be bothered. Willie married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Johnson on June 17, 1972 after dating her for twelve years! He had informed his mother he was not getting married until he was 30. He married two months after his 30th birthday. He took care of his family until his death.

Even after facing death in the hospital, with tears in his eyes, he said his greatest fear was leaving his wife here on Earth without him. From his union with his wife, they gave birth to a daughter, Tiffany Shivers and a devoted son, Brandon Shivers, both of the home. He had one grandson, Tyshawn Shivers and a unique special bond with a devoted niece, Tracy Baker Edwards of Smithfield whom he loved and trusted as his daughter. In addition to his parents, Willie was predeceased by four siblings, Arnetta Shivers Baker, Elmo Mckinley Shivers, Doris Shivers Seaborn and John Milton Shivers. He leaves to mourn two sisters, Doretha Shivers Wellons of Smithfield, VA and Rose Shivers Robertson (Lawrence) of Hampton, VA. His extended family includes his sisters- in- law Annie Cotton Shivers, Doris Johnson Harris, Betty Lou Johnson Blow (Ralph), Mildred Johnson Thomas, Virginia Johnson Holloway and Juliet Johnson Carter. Two brothers-in-law, Ralph Johnson and Frank Johnson. He will be greatly missed by many other cousins and friends.

A Graveside Service will be held 11am Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Baptist Memorial Cemetery, Berry Hill Road Smithfield, VA. Public viewing will be held from 4-6 pm Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. Shivers is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Shivers Family in your prayers. View Memorial Pictures

Burial Date October 14, 2020

A Graveside Service will be held 11 am Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Baptist Memorial Cemetery, Berry Hill Road Smithfield, VA. Public viewing will be held from 4-6 pm Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Mr. Shivers is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Shivers Family in your prayers.