William T Warfield

William Truitt Warfield, named after his maternal grandfather and lovingly known as Billy, was born on July 25, 1938 in South Philadelphia during one of the most intense heatwaves in U.S. history-it was 115 degrees the day he entered the world. He was the beloved son of the late Spencer and Hazel T. Warfield and one of eight siblings: Norman, Regina, Ernest, Audrey, Hazel, Melvyn, and Phyllis. Billy held a cherished place in the close-knit family. In 1949, after the passing of their father, the Warfield family was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist faith by a literature evangelist offering Bible studies. His mother, Hazel, embraced the Three Angels' Message and became a dedicated member of the Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in Philadelphia, PA, where she served faithfully as a deaconess for many years. That same spiritual foundation would later guide Billy's journey and became a path he too would walk with deep devotion. From a young age Billy was known for his quick wit, warm personality, and playful teasing - especially toward his younger brother Melvyn. He completed his early education in the Philadelphia public school system and later pursued training in plumbing, a trade he enjoyed and took pride in. Many days of his youth were full of energy and exploration. After a prodigal journey Billy felt the Lord calling him back, and he re-dedicated his life to Christ. He became a faithful member of the Ebenezer SDA Church, where he served as an usher, deacon, and prison ministry leader, sharing his testimony of God's redeeming grace and using his past to point others toward hope. Each chapter of his life brought lessons, love, and family. Through his marriage to his high-school sweetheart, Barbara Jean, he shared two sons, William, Jr., and Nathan. Both Barbara and Nathan have preceded him in death. Later, he was married to Brenda Jones, and together they shared four children, Brenda, Fred, Mieshea, and Mark. In the final chapter of his life, Billy was blessed to share 28 beautiful years with his devoted wife, Jean. After retiring from the Frankford Candy and Chocolate Factory where he worked as a shop steward and production manager, together they moved out of Philadelphia to Virginia to help care for Jean's mother. After her passing, they later relocated to South Jersey. Through it all, their friendship, faith, and partnership brought him joy and comfort in his later years. On July 17, just eight days before his 87th birthday, Billy passed away at the Inspira Medical Center after suffering from Congestive Heart Failure surrounded by his children, family, and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jean Warfield, children William Warfield, Jr. , Brenda Rosado (Placido), Dr. Fred Warfield (Lindzie), Mieshea Warfield, and Mark Warfield; sisters Audrey Joyner (Vern), Hazel Mduba, and Phyllis Warfield; ten Grandchildren William Warfield, III, Melissa Williams, Marcella Warfield, Nathan Landers, Avoneii Downing, Isaiah Rosado, Pheobe, Michaela, & Harvey Warfield, Isabella Warfield, along with ten great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of loving in-laws. Goodnight William, we'll see you in the morning. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.