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Willie Louis Obituary
After the 1955 trial, Willie Louis fled his native Mississippi for Chicago. He changed his name and told no one of his connection to the case, not even his future wife.
Juliet Louis only learned of the link when one of her husband's aunts mentioned it to her eight years after their marriage.
She said Wednesday her husband died July 18 at a hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill.
The lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955 galvanized the civil rights movement.
Louis says her husband knew of the dangers he would face, but testified because "it weighed on his conscience."
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
209 Entries
Juliet Louis
July 8, 2022
Thinking about You, Your Wife
Juliet Louis
July 18, 2020
I Still Love You and miss You, Will never forget You, Your Wife Juliet Louis
Kim and Sollie
February 13, 2019
A remarkable courageous young man,going to Chicago and meeting the love of his life.you are surely missed by everyone who knew you
Sollie and Kim
Juliet Louis
February 13, 2019
Love You, This is Black History Month, wish You were here.
How you can show support
Juliet Louis
August 23, 2018
Still Love You, You are not forgotten, Your Wife Forever.
Juliet Louis
July 18, 2017
Love You always, Just one life time was not enough, Your Wife
Juliet Louis
Eddie Whitley
December 27, 2016
My heart goes out to you for standing up and coming forth and telling the court what happen 60 some years ago.that what you call a lot of guts.And you will always be remember for that.And see you on the other side.
Eddie Whitley December 27,2016.
Juliet Louis
July 17, 2016
Love Always.Thank You for the 40+ Years,and thank God for You.
Juliet Louis
July 17, 2016
I still Love You Baby and always will, I miss You as much today as I missed You, the first night You left me sitting by Your bed, July 18th 2013, You will never be forgotten, You will for ever live in my heart. Love Always your wife.
Juliet Louis
January 31, 2014
Will always Love You.
Willie and Juliet Louis on our wedding day in 1976.
Juliet Louis
January 31, 2014
Willie was a great husband,friend,traveling companion,dad,granddad,great granddad. We are thankful to God for allowing you to be part of our lives.We are going to miss you, but it was time for you to go home.The blow was hard,the shock severe; we never dreamed your death was so near.But only those who love can really know the pain of parting.What it meant losing you , no one will ever know. To hear your voice, to see your smile; To sit and talk with you a while; To be together in the same old way would be our dearest wish today.But loving memories never die as years roll on and days go by; In our hearts a memory is kept of the one we love and will never forget.In memory of my husband, Willie Louis from your wife Juliet Louis,your son Sollie Mckinnon ,grand and great grand children. We Love You.
Patricia Lawrence
August 22, 2013
That's a man who made a difference may God Bless all the Family.
August 2, 2013
Many today face injustice the elderly. different ethnic groups and many have taken a brave stand against these acts of injustice and many more So we all even though we may not know MR. Louis
appreciate his courage and mourn his passing may his family find peace and comfort at this time respectfully M
Brittany
August 1, 2013
To the family of Mr. Willie Louis you have my deepest sympathy in the lost of your dear loved one. Please know that the injustices we face do not go unseen but as Psalm 72:12 and 14 help us to see they are seen by our heavenly Father.
Brittany
August 1, 2013
To the family of Mr. Willie Louis you have my deepest sympathy in the lost of your dear loved one. Please know that the injustices we face do not go unseen but as Psalm 72:12 and 14 help us to see they are seen by our heavenly Father.
August 1, 2013
May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
ROBERT LEWIS
July 30, 2013
The year was 1961. I was in the Greenwood, Mississippi Unemployment Office. The white female clerk made a remark that I cannot remember and I responded with a lighthearted joke. She began laughing rather loudly. The entire office suddenly became eerily quiet. A feeling of foreboding swept over me as I began to realize that I had inadvertently done something wrong...but what? I will explain below.
I was a young "Negro" man at the time of the tragic lynching of Emmett Till. I can remember the feelings of dismay and hopelessness that I and many others felt in the face of the blatant racism that we endured in that era. I became one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1956. One of the things that impressed me was the Bible based hope that all races of mankind would, in the near future, peacefully and unitedly live on a paradise earth. (Isaiah 2:2-4)
I and my wife zealously began to share that hope with others. In 1961,even though she was pregnant with twins we accepted an opportunity to share the Bible promise of a paradise earth with the "Colored" people of Greenwood, Mississippi. Strict segregation laws were in effect. We were fully aware of the recent history of events in the Greenwood area and that as black Californians we would probably be viewed with suspicion as possible "trouble makers." However, our mission was to convey the message of the only real hope for all humankind...God's Kingdom. We found our listeners to be oh so humble and without guile. We had wonderful experiences as we conducted numerous Bible studies with eager and appreciative audiences.
However, it was extremely difficult to find employment in Greenwood and that is why I was in the Unemployment Office as mentioned above. After the hush descended on the office I was feverishly trying to figure out What had I done wrong? I began to think back about what had happened to Emmett Till...Then it struck me, The boy had made the mistake of becoming too familiar with a white woman! Now I was being viewed by everyone in that office as being too familiar with the white female clerk. My heart sank. Was an innocent joke going to get me lynched? Would I ever see my wife again? Would I ever see my yet unborn twins? What do I do now? I began praying silently to Jehovah for protection and guidance. I thanked the clerk for her assistance and hastily left the office. I made it safely home without incident. For reasons that I will never know nothing further resulted from that encounter.
As I now read the Willie Louis obituary I can fully appreciate his bravery and courage as a teenager in a deathly hostile environment fully aware that the accused would probably be found innocent, nonetheless, testifying in court as to what he had seen and heard. Willie Louis was a man among men! I honor and respect him for that.
The Bible also promises a resurrection from the dead.(John 5:28) I personally look forward to that day with the hope that I will be able to greet Willie Louis and Emmett Till and help them understand and appreciate that God's promise is being fulfilled and that brutal attrocities that they have experienced and seen will never occur again. "For he will deliver the poor one crying for help, Also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. ?He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, And the souls of the poor ones he will save. ?From oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul, And their blood will be precious in his eyes." Psalms 72:12-14
Breeze McD
July 30, 2013
Thank You.
Linda"LuLu" Blanks
July 30, 2013
Rest in sweet peace. Thank you for standing for right so long ago. I pray that Our Lord walks with and hold your family in His Loving Arms as they face tomorrow without you. You will forever be in our hearts.
Cathy Wilson
July 30, 2013
May You Rest Now Mr. Willie Louis. You Are At Peace.
Cherie Bagley
July 29, 2013
I just wanted to say THANK YOU/ THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN.....MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
Alana Aker
July 29, 2013
THANKS MR. WILLIE LOUIS FOR SPEAKING UP. MAY YOUR SOUL BE AT PEACE.
mn
July 29, 2013
May God's peace be with you during this difficult time.
July 29, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
reesa James
July 29, 2013
Thank you for being committed to the truth...now may the lord give you rest.
Etha Harston
July 29, 2013
Thanks for your testimony in the case of Emmett Till. Rest in Peace!
Sha'Meika Jones
July 29, 2013
Rest brave soul... thank you for your courage.
Kendra & Lester Carlos
July 29, 2013
May you rest in paradise. God bless you and your family. Keep them safe and watch over them. Thankyou for your courage and bravery.
July 28, 2013
Rest in peace...you will be remembered for your courage and bravery
July 28, 2013
Thank you Mr. Louis for your bravery. Your heroic act has made life better for all of us. May God forever bless your soul and your family.
Doris Kennedy
July 27, 2013
Bless this and may God bless and keep you is my prayer.
Cathrine Gant
July 27, 2013
One great and faitful man. I rember when this terrible thing happened. It was a really bad feeling. I almost cry reading this. To this family you have lost a great person. To be able to live this long. I pray God be with you all.
July 27, 2013
Thank you,Thank you,for your boldness during those times.My prayers for the family,may God bless you all.
irene
July 27, 2013
Please accept my condolence.May the family have peace and comfort from the one who gives it freely.(matt.5:4)
Linda Parker
July 27, 2013
I don't know what kind of life you led after these events but, I can imagine. May you be remembered for suffering and sacrifices you and your family made. God keep you then & for ever more.
Ruth Givens
July 27, 2013
Mr. Louis,
Thank you for being a brave beautiful soul in the face of evil and death. Take your place in Heaven.
July 27, 2013
May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. (1 Cor. 1:3,4)
Mary Ross Cunningham
July 27, 2013
mY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO Louis family thank God for man you were for standing up for what you new you got your blessing. you are a true hero.to family may God watch over you all he is resting in peace now my Brother got kill in Alabama to just like that.
Dale Stinson
July 27, 2013
God bless you for your bravery, this world needs more like you.RIP dear sir.
L. Royster
July 27, 2013
Thank you Mr. Louis for the courage you displayed in such a era in which many would have kept their mouth shut for a lifetime.Although afraid for your own life, you found it in your heart the need to help this murdered, young black child & his family . Jesus kept you alive & safe for many many more years after it all and with a clean conscious and a clean heart for your well doings here on earth you.I,m glad you released that burden from your life.You are a true hero for us and equality.I pray for the family and peace here on earth for we still have a long way to go in securing the safety of our young people and parents who still encounter such hatred toward the black community.Everyone should speak up for a life is so precious if you know or witness wrongdoing.Jesus is the ultimate protector of us all.Leave all your worries to him! take your rest Mr. Louis for you don't have to run or hide anymore!
Darcey Harris
July 27, 2013
We thank God that you were a man of courage and conviction! May you have sweet rest at the throne of grace and mercy. Deepest sympathy to your family...
July 27, 2013
My condolences to The Louis Family. As the days and weeks pass,and as you return to your daily routines,may you continue to be comforted with the love and support of family and friends. 2Cor1:4
Bobby Gordon
July 27, 2013
U don't have to hide no more my black brother,,and may u rest in peace.
C. E. Guest-Noyes
July 27, 2013
A GREAT Man of Courage. I pray that his story will bring strength to the children of today and all the years to come. Thank you Mr Louis for leaving a positive impact in our world.
Sandra Malone
July 27, 2013
God was there and He is here now! Too God be the Glory for sharing your life and showing you mercy doing the awful, and wicked times of you life. R.I.P. Mr. Louis
Donna Cuthbertson
July 26, 2013
THANK YOU MR. LOUIS FOR THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE YOU ARE GONE FROM US BUT YOU'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
NOW IS YOUR TIME TO TRULY REST IN PEACE!
Soloma M. King
July 26, 2013
I remember the Emmett Till murder @ age (10) it was big talk among Black families here in Charlotte and elsewhere.Most were sharecroppers and poor-protesting or marches- then you could get one kill quick-nothing would be done about it!Mr. Louis was a brave man left his farm w/ crops in the field after he testified,because he could end up like Till-quick-I'm keeping it real-that's why I'm lighting a candle in his honor!
July 26, 2013
MAY THESE SCRIPTUAL WORDS COMFORT THE LOUIS FAMILY AT THIS TIME.THINGS MIGHT GO UNNOTICED BY PEOPLE,BUT NOT BY GOD.(ANYONE DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH WILL PROCURE HIMSELF LODGING UNDER VERY SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY ONE."(pslm.91:1)...north carolina
July 26, 2013
You were a blessing then, and you are blessed now.More than anyone will ever know. H.R.Dorsey.
P. McGrath
July 26, 2013
God Bless Mr. Louis for being a man who had the courage and belief in his convictions. He helped to change history. He truly is a hero to many.
C. Bolden
July 26, 2013
Spread your wings in heaven dear child of god. Your time here has gone but you will never be forgotten.
Edna
July 26, 2013
Willie Louis was a hero. It is courage like this that changed our country, and I wish I could have thanked him. May Mr. Louis rest, in peace,
DR E M GARRISON
July 26, 2013
... AND MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN HIS MIGHTY CARE ( THE LATE MR WILLIE REED ( AKA ) THE LATE MR WILLIE LOUIS ) FOR THE TRUTH WILL DEFINITELY - SET YOU FREE ( ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD ) TO GOD BE THE GLORY - FOR THE THINGS HE HAS DONE ...
Cathy Battle
July 26, 2013
You were a true hero. RIP
MR & MRS. W DAVIS
July 26, 2013
Our prayers are for the family to be comforted and encouraged as they deal with the loss of the such a great man. He was rich in character and love. We must apologize for the stress, pressure and limitations that Mr. Louis and his family had to deal with. Our nation owes him gratitude for his unselfish act of revealing the horror that Mr. Tillman and others dealt with.
THANK YOU MR. WILLIE LOUIS.
MICHAEL GRAVES
July 26, 2013
THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR COURAGE WHEN CONFRONTED WITH SUCH A COWARDLY ACT. REST IN PERFECT PEACE.
The Carters
July 26, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Louis family for your untimely loss. Our faith in humanity was re-established when we read Mr. Louis' obituary and realized that he acted so bravely at such a young age. We are also happy that his silence regarding this act allowed him to remain alive for so long. Jesus must have had Mr. Louis in mind when he spoke the words at Luke 23:43. Looking forward to asking him to personally share his experience with me.
Ophelia Hines
July 26, 2013
May your family be comforted knowing that you had a great man in your life. God bless you!
ann miller
July 26, 2013
God Bless him.. Rest with Emmett an the angels.. such a brave man.. when i read the story of Emmett Till i was horrified by what another human being could do to one another esp. a child.an moved me to tears. he is a braver man then most.. rip
mark mattis
July 26, 2013
God Bless You for your bravery. More people should care about doing the right thing. You are an inspiration.
The Holmes Family
July 26, 2013
Thank you Mr. Louis for your courage and strength. May you Rest in Peace. A heart fill sympathy to the family and may your memories bring you comfort.
John F Godson
July 26, 2013
Thank you for courage and sacrifice at a time when our country was in turmoil
ANGLEA BAXTER
July 26, 2013
GOD BLESS THIS MAN HE HOLDS HIM IN HIS ARMS NOW .ANGELA BAXTER FAMILY NASHVILLE ,TN
Patricia Harris
July 26, 2013
God bless and keep your family. Such a brave and righteous thing to do, considering the time. Having to live daily holding on to those memories. Mr. LOUIS was truly a man of GOD,now may he rest in peace alone with Mr. TILL.
Eric Chambala
July 26, 2013
The world has lost a true hero.
Sharon Payne
July 26, 2013
What bravery it took to do that in that time and era. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. May they be comforted in their time of sorrow.
Martha Thornton
July 26, 2013
Blessings and honor to Mr. Louis's Family. I appreciate the great sacrifices that were made to bring about truth in the face of danger. I also appreciate the respect for another human life and the conviction Mr. Louis had to follow through. I thank God for individuals like Mr. Louis who went before me and affected history in such a big way and paved the way for me.
Jean Morrow
July 26, 2013
Our prayers goes out to the Louis family for your loss. Mr. Louis was a great man. He stood for the right thing. Thank God For men as Mr. Louis, Martin Luther, and many others that took a stand. Great Men. Family look to the hills for which cometh your help.
Carmen Strong
July 26, 2013
My prayers to the Louis family. I just wanted to say I admire Mr. Willie Louis,he will always be a hero to me, we need more Godly honest men like him ,truely he was a gift from God,
I will continue to pray for your family.
RODERICK HERRERA
July 26, 2013
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE YOU WILL GREATLY BE MISSED
Robin
July 26, 2013
You were a great and bold man. And I thank you. And I know God has a great resting place for you.
Jennell Vaughn
July 26, 2013
Prayers to the Louis family. What a brave man to come forward, especially at that time. God bless Mr. Louis & his family.
Mara Jackson
July 26, 2013
I had never met you but I love,admire,treasure and pray for you and your family. I'm humbled by your strength and courage. What a Man! What Courage! It is better to live one day as a (courageous) lion than a thousand days as a (meek) lamb. You stood up for truth,and justice. This was too an American Hero. Thank you Sir...
Lori
July 26, 2013
May God bring peace and strength to you today and in the days ahead. Take comfort in knowing that Mr. Louis was a man of strength, courage and honor. Testifying and bearing witness to such a horrible act was no small feat. I appreciate him for the stand he took for what was right. May God bless and keep you all.
Annette Crawley
July 26, 2013
Thank you for your braveness and being a man amongst men. God surely has a place for you in His Kingdom. Well done my good and faithful servant!!!
A A
July 26, 2013
I read this in our Austin (TX)American Statesman newspaper. What an honorable man he was. May God grant his family peace.
Anonymous
July 26, 2013
Thank you for your courage!
Dwayne Bickham
July 26, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
diane googe
July 26, 2013
you were the light in the darkness, mr. louis rest now. Thank you.
Emma & Family
July 26, 2013
To the Family of Willie Louis,
Sustain yourself with the promise that as the Ruler of God's Kingdom, Jesus Christ will “deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save.”—Psalm 72:12, 13.
We are sorry for your loss.
July 26, 2013
May the God of all comfort and peace be with your family during such a time of great loss.
Taylor Clarke
July 26, 2013
Dear Mr. Willie Louis, It is with a humbled heart and great honor to have this opportunity to thank you for brave deed concerning the late, great Mr. Emmitt Till. Thank you and may you rest in eternal peace. Amen...
Taylor Clarke, New York City
Gregg T.
July 26, 2013
Rest in peace. A very brave man. Thanks for doing the right thing God Bless You and heart felt sympathy to your family.
Glenice Hunt
July 26, 2013
R.I.P. Mr. Louis, your courage will be rewarded.
Dorothy Rackley
July 26, 2013
Thank God you got to at least testify. I am glad you find peace. Family you have our deepest sympathy. Rackley and Parrish Family.
Alesia Poole
July 26, 2013
Love you Love you Mr.Lewis God has a special place for you an man of courage i love that.
Dolores Jean Bell
July 26, 2013
To the Willie Lewis Family; In times like these. Willie Louis carried the truth on his shoulders and in his heart. The Lord has a resting place for him now. RIP Mr. Willie Lewis.
shaska Mcbride
July 26, 2013
Thank you for your courage and strength....may you rest in peace with our father....You made it, now rest sir...... no more hiding the protector has you in his hand
Rosalind Thomas
July 25, 2013
R.I.P.
kimberly cosme
July 25, 2013
Mr. Louis,thank you for standing in what GOD put in your heart sir.
Valery Perkins Profit
July 25, 2013
Thank you Mr. Louis for taking a stand for what was right love go out to the family of this great man. Mr. Willie take your place in Heaven with God and Emmett.
Ralph Jones
July 25, 2013
"Bless you Mr. Louis"
Your courage at that trial for Emmett has made a difference in everyday life for our people.....May you "Rest In Peace Always".
Ruth M. Derrickson
July 25, 2013
Welcome to your new home for the good deed you did on earth. Rest in sweet peace.My condolences to the family.
LORRAINE M.
July 25, 2013
MR WILLIE YOU SERVED WELL ON EARTH NOW YOU CAN REST IN PEACE.
July 25, 2013
You are a hero!!! God bless your family
Bettye Morgan
July 25, 2013
Thank God Mr. Louis lived during our lifetime because what he did took courage many did not have at that dangerous time in America's history for the obvious reasons. We have been blessed by his brave act and moved forward toward equal rights for all. Even today, the struggle continues. Only his God and a few family members knew what he did for so long and we did not know until now. Thank you so much, so very much, for what you did and for the loving wife who stood by you all these years. May God's peace and love comfort her until you meet again.
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