Obituary of Willie Lee Boswell, Jr

Willie Lee Boswell, Jr, 68 years old, passed away on June 14, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents; Willie Lee Boswell, Sr., and Christine L. Boswell; daughter Christina Mosley and son Clancey Shaw. He is survived by his wife Deborah “Kitty” Gray Boswell, daughter, Monica “Pixie” Townsend (Hasan), sons Rashan and Marquise Benson, stepdaughters Kisha Roberson and Dana Townsend, sisters: Malinda “Winky” Dean (James), Lisa “Shelly” Boswell-Nieves (Angel), Joann “JoJo” Boswell, Chery “Ivy” Boswell; eight grandchildren: Jaleel Farrell, Ashanti Mosely, Chris Mosley, and Xavier Mosely. Saadiq and Saadeya Shaw, Kaitlyn and Iam Roberson and one great granddaughter Serenity Shaw. Willie Lee Boswell, Jr. was born on January 13, 1956, in Camden, NJ, where he spent his formative years. By most, he was affectionately called “Billy” or “Bos.” He attended Woodrow Wilson High School and then entered the United States Marine Corp where he received honorable discharge for his service. His courage and bravery did not go unnoticed. He worked at Cooper Hospital and finally as a Statewide Vehicle Hauler; the job he enjoyed immensely. It gave him the freedom to roam the road, venture to untapped areas in NJ and meet interesting people from all over the globe. When he was driving, he was in his element. He married Kitty solidifying their long-term union of over forty years. To Kitty, Billy was a take-charge and strong-willed husband. He made sure that Kitty was always taken care of; from cooking her favorite meal (ribs), to driving her wherever she needed to go. He was with her to do the shopping and took care of the finances. Oh, and maybe it’s the military in him, but he kept a clean house; so spotless that you can use a white glove. Be careful not to drop anything, because even in another room, Billy would know. Kitty and Billy enjoyed watching movies together. Billy would often sit in his favorite chair with a view of his garden, his neighbors, and wife by his side. He loved his garden. He would pierce through the glass patio door to make sure no one would trample his beloved garden. And when his health was failing, Kitty (who retired from the healthcare field), made sure that he received the care he needed. She was in an out of the hospitals and rehab with him; every step of the way; she was by his side. He adored her, even when he was fussing. Billy was a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles Fan! In his home garden you will find the American Flag and the Eagles flags dawned by other garden and Eagles trinkets. Walk into his house and you will find an array of Eagles memorabilia - from his Eagles coffee mug to a recent gift of a gold chain with the eagle’s emblem from his grandson, Jaleel just last Christmas. You knew where his heart stood in the world of football. It was one of his favorite pastimes and the Eagles was his favorite team! As the only brother to four sisters, he had his hands full being the protector. He made sure they felt safe no matter where they were or who they were with. His helping nature was felt far and wide. They could call on him at a moment’s notice, helping move out of one home to another or being generous financially. He was a fierce cook who perfected his mother’s rice pudding recipe and buttermilk biscuits. And the sisters too had to keep their eye on their brother, as he had many admirers. But none would win his heart, like his wife Kitty. Billy had a jovial spirit, and some might say mischievous nature. He was a prankster by heart. If you walked in a room and something was amiss, Billy was up to something and aided by his sister, Shelly in the shenanigans. Yet, he did so in earnest, often knowing something about you that would make you laugh right along with him. His jokes had a way of revealing how much he knows about you or your situation. The minor sting met with the prank subsided with laughter and fondness because Billy had a way of making you feel all right. Some might say that through all his bravado, this was his way of connecting with you. But more than anything, Billy was a devoted and loving father. He was honest about his misgivings, but made up for it with his strong, resilient, and resourceful nature. His children knew he would be engaged in every facet of their lives. He gave Clancey advice and financial support when he wanted to start his T-shirt business. He would drive any distance to make sure his daughter Tina had what she needed for her and the kids. He made sure Marquis did not go without even when times were rough for him. He gave Marquise tough love, but most of all – he was there for him. When the youngest son, Rashan, wanted to enter Nursing school, it was Billy he talked to about his dreams and plans. And of course, Rashan was like mini-Billy – another GQ in the making. Lastly, Billy was extremely proud of his daughter Pixie; always referring to her as #1. He beamed when sharing her accomplishments with others. He marveled at how she is so much like his mother – driven, tenacious and bold. Ask anyone that knew him closely, he would say…” Yea man,” my daughter did this or my daughter that. Billy left here confidently knowing his legacy is etched in his #1 daughter, Pixie. He enjoyed pending time with his grandchildren, sharing stories and imparting words of wisdom often peppered with some fantastical knowledge and experience that made you wondered…how true it really is. Like the story he likes to tell about how he and Will Smith almost got into a fight when he was younger. Did that really happen grandpop – they would ask. He would say “yea.” But how would one really find out. He was an imaginative character for sure and his colorful persona was their reward and delight. He was a stern grandpa, yet loving, hilarious and amusing. Throughout his life, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. He cared deeply for his family and was generous person always willing to lend a helping hand. He was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement, no matter what challenges lied ahead. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.