Willie Ware

Willie L. Ware departed this life on July 20, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on March 24, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, as the son of Bessie Ware and Otis Ware. As a youth he attended Delano Elementary School and graduated from Marshall High School.

Willie enjoyed stepping, kicking butt in Bid Wiz while running unlimited Bostons, spending time with his family and friends, telling stories that sound like they came straight out of a movie, and he loved cooking. He always knew how to brighten up someone’s day and provide a sense of hope when times got rough. He was a protector, provider, leader, motivational speaker, a hustler and most of all he was a God-fearing man.

He enjoyed attending church remotely. Paster Gino Jennings with First Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc. was his speaker of choice.

He is preceded in death by: his son, Willis Ware; parents, Bessie Ware and Otis Ware; sisters, Annette Dunbar, Carmensita Sutton, and Celester Pillows; brothers, Calvin Ware, Lloyd Ware, Dennis Sykes and Donnell McGhee (Veronica); and aunt, Frankie.

He leaves to cherish his memories: Wife, Wendy Ware; children, Willie Ware Jr., Wendell (Delauren) Ware, Wentley Ware, Wilmar Ware, Wendy (Bruce) Berry-Ware, Willisha (Zooma) Ware and Wenetta (Chris) Ware; sisters, Gloria Fields, Olivia Ware, Flora Scott, Clara Ball, Cynthia Maggitt, and Amelia Ware; brother, Linden Ware; grandchildren, Willie Ware III, Brianna Reed-Haley (AuQuez), Wilmar Pugh Jr., Willie Ware IV, Wendell Ware Jr., Wenshaun Ware, Kaylee Ware, Kentrell Ware, Wendall Ware, Wentah Ware, Wendiah Ware, Wensdae Ware, Wenzell Ware, Wenlis Ware, Wenslee Ware, Alani Ware, Love Ware, Brooklyn Ware, and Bryson Ware; great grandchildren, A’Nyla Ware and Joseph Ware; Godchildren, Nicholas Rogers, Terrell Newburn, Demontrae Cheatham, Hank Moorer, Charles Williams, and Jahmela Sampson; and a host of in-laws (Berry Family), cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.