In Loving Memory of Willie R. Cheatem

May 31, 1934 – October 15, 2023

Willie Cheatem, affectionally known as “Wolff”, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Har- borview Medical Center in Seattle, with family lovingly by his side. Born to Mattie Mae Anderson-Youngblood and George Cheatem. Willie was born on May 31, 1934, in Waco,Texas. Willie first child was Kathy Cheatem her mother was Billie Christopher. Willie grew up in Tacoma, Washington where he met and courted his early love, Ms. Doris Brooks in 1955, together they had a son (Marvin). After serving 4 years in the Army, Willie moved to the Oakland - Bay Area, in the early 60’s, where he worked as a welder. During this time, he met and married his first wife, Ms. Elnora Clay. In the early 70’s, he met and married his second wife, Ms. Evelyn Cheatem-Belford and from this union, their daughter Stacie was born. In the early 2000’s, Willie moved back to his roots in Tacoma, where he reunited and married Ms. Doris Brooks; with the reconnection of this unification, their son Marvin was united with them both. During this time, Willie accepted Christ and was baptized at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church. Every Sunday he greeted churchgoers with his signature phrase “How you doing” and offered each person an Altoid mint. This kind gesture was loving named “The Mint Ministry”, by his ever so caring daughter-in-law, Jeanett. Willie loved music, fishing, barbequing, shopping, dressing, and watching sports on TV, especially his beloved A’s baseball team. Willie was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences. Willie leaves to mourn his three children: Marvin,Cathy, and Stacie; his sister, Bertha Williams, his brother, Joseph Youngblood, his daughter-in-law, Jeanett; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchil- dren, and a host of family and friends.