willie lee towner
1907-1966
Life Story
Birth & Parentage
Willie Lee Towner was born on May 13, 1907, in Decatur, Mississippi, to Claiborne Towner (1864–1937) and Arilla Thornton Towner (1873–?). He was raised in the Pine Ridge community, where he became well known and respected. Throughout his life, he was affectionately called “W. L.” by family and community members.
Education
Willie Lee Towner reported having completed the 5th grade of elementary school, reflecting the limited educational opportunities available to African Americans in rural Mississippi during the early twentieth century.
Marriage to Gertie Lee Huddleston & Family
On October 31, 1922, at approximately seventeen years of age, Willie married Gertie Lee Huddleston (1906–1944). The couple owned their own modest home, valued at $300, located on a farm where they raised crops and livestock to support their household.
From this union, the following children were born:
- Vera M. Towner (1924–2004)
- Vonnie Lee Towner (1925–2005)
- Jethro Towner (1927–?)
- Wilmalene Towner (1929–?)
- Alene Towner (1932–?)
- Claiborne (C.L.) Towner (1934–?)
- John L. Towner (1936–?)
- Melvin Towner (1938–?)
- S. B. Towner (1941–?)
- Excel Towner
- Alma Jane Towner
Gertie Lee Towner passed away in 1944.
Occupation
Willie Lee Towner worked primarily as a farmer, laboring on his land to support his family. In addition, he served the community as a county bus driver, a role that connected him closely with families throughout the area and ensured children had transportation to school.
Church Life & Ministry
Willie’s life was deeply shaped by faith and service. He was a devoted member of Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, where he initially served as a pastor’s aide, assisting with church operations and congregational support.
In 1949, the deacons of Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church officially ordained him into the ministry. From that time forward, he was known as Rev. Willie Lee Towner. In addition to his local church responsibilities, he performed missionary and district work for the Association, traveling to support churches and assist congregations beyond his home community.
Second Marriage to Mary Lou Arrington & Family
Following the death of his first wife, Willie married Mary Lou Arrington (1912–1977). From this union, the following children were born:
- Irene Towner (1946–?)
- Albert Lee Towner (1947–2020)
- Costello Towner (1950–?)
- Annie Towner
- Leroy Towner (1951–1968)
- Rosie Mary Towner (1954–2001)
Mary Lou Arrington Towner survived Willie at the time of his death.
Death & Survivors
Willie Lee Towner passed away on December 1, 1966, at the age of fifty-nine.
At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Mary Lou Towner, and the following children:
- Jethro Towner, C.L. Towner, and Melvin Towner, all of Flint, Michigan
- Rev. S. B. Towner, Albert Lee Towner, Costello Towner, and Leroy Towner, all of Decatur, Mississippi
- Mrs. Vonnie Lee Holton, Benton Harbor, Michigan
- Mrs. Alma Jane Patterson, Detroit, Michigan
- Mrs. Ellen Russell, Mobile, Alabama
- Mrs. Irene Nichols, Newton, Mississippi
- Miss Rosie Mary Towner, Decatur, Mississippi
He was also survived by his brother, O. D. Towner of Tallulah, Louisiana, and two sisters, Mrs. Georgia Titus of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Mrs. Florence McCune of Newton, Mississippi.
Resting Place
Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Rev. W.L. Towner Obituary, Wed, Dec 14, 1966 ·Page 11
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- Scott County Times, Mary Lou Towner Obituary, Wed, Jul 20, 1977 ·Page 8
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, Willie Towner, 1940-1947
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Leave a Reply