Deacon William H. Featherstone

Deacon Featherstone was born in Columbus, Ohio on February 10, 1936 to Henry Featherstone and Catherine Mickens Featherstone.  He attended East High School, graduated in1953, and soon after, enlisted in the United States Air Force.  After working several jobs since his honorable discharge, he decided to start a business and opened the Miami Record Shop.  This is where he met Jasmine Murphy, and after a year and a half long courtship, they were married on September 8, 1979.

In his spare time, he loved to fish, so much so that even his die-hard fishermen friends were reluctant to go with him at times, because he never knew how to come home in a timely fashion.  “Spud”, as he was affectionately known, had the gift of gab, was a good storyteller, and seemed to have an endless supply of jokes. He had a good heart which showed in his generosity to his family and the multitude of friends he had, since he knew just about everybody. He loved watching the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and the Indians, and he had a special love for the Buckeyes. Win or lose, he stood by them, and would argue vehemently against any Michigan fan in their defense.

He accepted the Lord at Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church of God in 1977, and later was ordained as a Deacon. He was the first president of the prison ministry and taught the Sunday School class for the youth.  He was so faithful to Greater Emmanuel, later named Higher Ground Always Abounding Assembly, that he was affectionately nicknamed “The St. Clair Saint”.  He was active in the church until his health declined.

He departed his earthly vessel on Thursday, June 24, 2021.  He was predeceased by four children:  William Jeffery Russell, Desiree Thomas, Stephnie Penn, Jessie Featherstone and two grandchildren, Ivy Butler and Kamea Featherstone.  He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 41 years, Elder Jasmine D. Featherstone; children; Toya Dillard, Brent Payne, Michelle (Larry) Brandon, Christina Tucker, Dana (Crystal) Featherstone, Austin Crockett, Alpha Featherstone, and Mychal Featherstone; sister, Vickie Fullen; son-in-law Jay Thomas; daughter-in-law Roni Russell; mother-in-law Lillie Murphy-Lewis; 25 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Also survived by his close cousin, with whom he grew up with, Jo Ann James of Rochester, New York.

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Visitation 6:00 PM and Funeral Service 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Higher Ground , 870 Saint Clair Ave.

Interment Thursday, July 1, 2021 10:00 AM at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.