Willie Earl Whitfield was born on November 8, 1957 in Delhi, Louisiana to the union of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Kilpatrick and Dan Tolbert, who both preceded him in death. Willie Earl was educated in the Louisiana public schools. He attended college in Louisiana and there began the training of the beautiful baritone voice with which he was gifted. In the mid-nineteen eighties, Willie Earl moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, joining his brothers who had already relocated here. He immediately found employment in the role of providing assistance to those with physical or mental defects. Willie loved helping people and he worked in group homes and hospitals throughout his career. His efforts and work ethic were appreciated by both those he cared for and those who worked with him in providing care to those they served. Willie loved to sing and he used his beautiful gift to praise and honor God whom he served faithfully throughout his life. One of his favorite hymns, which he sang at all his church homes, was "Father I Stretch My Hand to Thee" and we can imagine him lifting up that refrain during the last difficult years of his life. He was a favorite soloist at Walnut Hills Christian Church and planned to continue singing at Clifton United Methodist despite his illness. Willie enjoyed cooking and for several years was instrumental in putting on charity dinners that benefitted school children in the Walnut Hills/Evanston area. His quick smile, magnetic personality and southern wit and charm endeared him to all he encountered. Willie leaves to mourn his passing his brothers and sisters, Augustus Whitfield, Sr., James and Marilyn Whitfield, Amber Whitfield, Jesse and Wilhelmina Whitfield, Willie James Whitfield, Allen Kilpatrick, Nathaniel Kilpatrick, Gerald and Sandra Kilpatrick as well as a host of loving nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. His brother Robert Whitfield, Sr. also preceded him in death. Visitation is from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, on Friday, May 13, 2016, at the Clifton United Methodist Church, 3416 Clifton Avenue , Cincinnati (45220). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. To share a memory of Willie or leave a special message for the Whitfield family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Whitfield family.

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