William M. Person

William Matthew Person, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather transitioned peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025. William, the son of the late Santee and Bessie (Butts) Person was born in Mecklenburg County, VA on December 5, 1932.
William grew up and worked on his father's farm in Brunswick County, Virginia where he also attended the Good Hope School of Virginia. He migrated to Baltimore, Maryland in the early 1950's where he met and courted Jennie Elaine Mayo. They were married on July 4, 1953. From this union were the births of five children: William Matthew, Jr. (deceased), Juanita, Gloria Jean, Michelle and William Anthony, Jr.
Soon after, William and Elaine settled in New Jersey with their young family. William was very enterprising as well as hardworking and acquired certified skills in plumbing, carpentry and electrical maintenance. He was employed as a plumber at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of Newark until his retirement.
William enjoyed toiling in his garden, listening to music (particularly Motown) and he took great pleasure in his wife's cooking. Most of all, he loved being with his family.
William was preceded in death by 10 siblings: Corine, Thelma, Waverly (Johnnie), Floyd, Edith, Louise, Santee Jr., Earl, Leroy and Barbara Jean.
He leaves to cherish his memory, wife Elaine and four children: Juanita, Gloria Jean, Michelle (son in-law James), William Jr. (daughter in-law Dale). Six grandchildren: Latania, Charmaine, Shavonne, Ashley, Kyle, Diamond and great-granddaughter Keniya, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services are private for the family.