Willie Washington Young

Willie Washington Young peacefully departed this life on May 31, 2023, at 4:00 am. He was born February 3, 1965 in Columbus, Ohio to Linda Young and Joe Mitchell.

As a youth Willie was a member of Union Grove Choir. Willie was a graduate of East High School. He was an athlete and was on the wrestling and football teams (no #77). He was often known as the Class Clown and Prom King of 1983.

He received a full scholarship to Illinois Valley Community College prior to attending Toledo University where he continued playing football as #77. Willie went on to further his education. He was a student at Columbus State Community College and gained his associate degree in Chemical Dependency. While attending school he also played Semi–Pro Football for The Columbus Fire then transitioned to coach The Columbus Battle Stars.

He was employed at Eden Counseling Center where he worked as a counselor in Recovery Housing. Willie did not stop learning. He continued his education at Christian Academy and received his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Dependency while receiving a CDCA.

Willie was full of humor and kindness. He would always lend a helping hand when needed. Many of you know him as Big Will. His enjoyments in life were family, friends and helping others.

Willie was preceded in death by his mother; Linda Young, father; Joe Mitchell, grandparents; Nathaniel and Nan Winston, sisters; Kim Young, Renee Cobb, brother-in-law; Terry Lewis, great aunts and uncles; Simmons and Bernice Mattox, Taylor and Audrey Mattox, Aunt Ethyl Mattox, Uncle Thomas Mattox, Aunt Myrtle Mattox, Aunt Judy Little and Colene Young, Uncle Clarence and Uncle Nathaniel Winston, nephew; Samuel Winston.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory, brothers; Keith Winston, Kali Young, sisters; Joanne Lewis, Linise (Kimberly Cummings) Turner, Njoki Young, Fonta Young, God brother; Martai Page, children; Marcus Justi, Alicia Taylor, Tiara Moody, Wil Taylor and D’Mitri Young, grandchildren; Sir Alexander Taylor, Nola Taylor, Layla Franklin, Dawan Franklin Jr., Kayla Franklin and Anthony Evans aka (Doo-Doo), special and long time friend; Brenda Justi, special friends; Angla Moody and Carmen Goodwin.

Visitation 3:00 PM and Funeral Service 4:00 PM Sunday, June 11, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).