William Faulkner

Our beloved father, WILLIAM FAULKNER, is affectionately called “Papi”, “PawPaw”, Bill”, and “Uncle William” by the grands and those who adored and respected him. He was born on Thursday, October 27, 1927, one of ten children born to Fountain and Sarah Faulkner in Natchez, Mississippi. It is said a person born on October 27 is known for being passionate, loyal and protective - that embodied the personhood of our father, WILLIAM FAULKNER. On Monday Morning, December 30, 2024 at 3:06 am at the age of 97, William Faulkner, transitioned from this life to the promise of John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” William was raised in a God-fearing home that instilled great faith. He was baptized at an early age and attended the family church, Grove A.M.E. Church on Woodville Rd in Natchez, Mississippi. William was educated in the schoolhouse, and completed his education, which was 8th grade, at that time. The family worked on the land and was self-sufficient. William left Natchez as a young man and ventured to Tennessee and eventually followed his brothers to New Orleans in 1945 and worked as a longshoreman until his retirement after 43 years. William joined Union Bethel A.M.E. Church, in 1945, under the Pastorate of the late Rev. Howard Thomas Primm, who became the 71st A..M.E. Bishop in 1952. William was an active and dedicated member of the Sunday School, Usher Board #2, Steward Board, and lovingly supported the Young People’s Department. William married Gertrude Blanton, and later married Anice Kelly, and four children were born to that union, Danice, Terry, Sarah Ann, and Angel. William lived a full life, dedicated and devoted to his family, friends and his church. He was the last elder of both families to transition. William enjoyed hunting, gardening, walking, and especially fishing - it was a past time shared passionately with family and friends, He used the same elements as a Fisherman in his effort to be a Fisher of Men. He actively sought to bring people, especially men, young men, to the Christian faith, essentially “catching” them with gems of wisdom and with the message of the gospel. Daily he read from a book entitled “The Promise Book.” The family evacuated to Natchez, MS after Hurricane Katrina, William later found a beloved companion in Mary Washington. William was preceded in his transition by his parents, the late Fountain and Sarah Faulkner; his wife Anice Kelly Faulkner; son, Terry Faulkner; daughters, Angel, and Sarah Ann Faulkner; six brothers - Louis Broadway, Jimmie, Fountain Jr., Jeff, Douglas, and Felix Faulkner; four sisters - Patsy Theard, Alice, Moncee and Caroline. daughter-in-law, Gail Belton, son-in-law Robert Brown; grandchildren, Shonda and Jerry Jr.; and a host of brothers and sisters-in-laws. William leaves behind family and friends who will forever cherish “Precious Memories”. He is survived by his children, Danice Faulkner-Edwards, Willie Mae Wilson Brown, Jerry Belton (Gloria);Twelve (12) grandchildren; Twenty-three (23) great-grandchildren, and Six (6) Great-great grandchildren; both of his church families, Union Bethel and Payne Memorial A.M.E. Churches. A life well lived - A legacy built on the impact he made on others. To God Be The Glory!