Willie Rose Abernathy, the second oldest of thirteen children blessed to that union of the late Herman and Fannie Abernathy, was born on January 2, 1922 in Victoria, Virginia.

Willie gave his life to Christ at an early age at Tussehiah Baptist Church in Lunenburg County, Virginia.  Although he did not attend church on a regular basis, he believed in the Lord.  His favorite bible verse was "Jesus Wept" (John 11:35).

He attended a segregated, one room public school in Lunenburg County.  As a teenager, Willie left the hardness of the rural of the South and relocated to New York City and the Hoboken, New Jersey areas in an effect to improve conditions for himself.  Before leaving, his Mother made him promise to look after his brothers and sisters.  He kept that promise by moving all of his siblings to New Jersey, except his oldest brother, Alexander, who was affectingly called Alex.  Alex Chose to stay in Victoria and Willie continued to be a part of his life.  His siblings listed in order are:  Alexander, Hiawatha, Fannie Myrtle, Annie Pearl, James Otis, Christine, Lionel, Shirley Temple, Nellie, Herman Roe, Esther Abernathy, and Booker T. Washington Abernathy.

On November 13, 1944, Willie Rose Abernathy was awarded an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army.  After being discharged from the military he attended automotive trade school school under the GI bill.

He met, fell in love and married the former Hattie Alberta Parks on November 19, 1949.  Their union was blessed with six children.  Willie and his wife were the operators of the first Black owned business in Hoboken, New Jersey called "Andrea's Luncheonette".  At that same time, they served as landlords of a multi-dwelling apartment building.  His other accomplishments included being a master mechanic at Smith's Transport for 19 years, he was an independent trucker for 15 years, and owned and operated an independent lawn care service for 13 years.  he never let the grass grow under his feet.  He was a true provider and a very hard working man.

Our Dad was a loving husband and father who loved to talk.  he never met a stranger.  He was also a quick thinker with wisdom and comfort.  Dad loved to bowl and go to the movies.

Willie Rose was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Hattie Alberta Parks Abernathy, his five brothers: Alex, Hinwatha, James Otis, Herman Roe and Booker T.: six sister's, Fannie Myrtle, Annie Pearl, Christine, Lionel, Shirley Temple and Esther; one daughter, Whilamena Lois Abernathy, one grandson, Sean Lamont Ragin.

Willie Rose Abernathy passed on March 25, 2018 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida.  He was 96 years of age and resided in Vero Beach, Florida.

Dad, Daddy, or grandad will forever remain cherished in the memory of: his sons, Willie Abernathy, Jr. and Willie John Abernathy (Clara); four daughters, Delores Abernathy, Andrea Smith (Darrell), Vanessa Colon and Lisa Frank; fifteen grandchildren, Terence Willie Abernathy, Donna Abernathy, Curtis Abernathy, Jeneine Abernathy, Dorothy Abernathy, LaKisha Abernathy-Sandra, Athena Abernathy-Camporees, Ian Abernathy, Katrina Smith, Jennifer Colon, Vanessa Colon, Joseph Colon, III, Je'lissa Frank and Oscar Frank, II; a sister Nellie Abernathy Garland Harrington; and a host of living nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the compassionate staff at Bethesda of the Turkey Creek