Willie James Cheeley

The Life of Willie James Cheeley - An Educator Extraordinaire The journey begins or the school bell rang on July 17, 1955. It was a beautiful summer day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the Lord blessed Willie Robert Cheeley and Georgia Ella Cheeley with an energic, inquisitive baby boy whom they would name Willie James Cheeley. First period for Willie James was having the opportunity of being raised in a loving home where he was doted on by his maternal grandparents, Perry and Ella Glover. He was eager to learn and was always asking questions. This curiosity and inquiring mind would become the steppingstone to the pathway that would be his life’s journey. Second period was full of excitement as Willie embarked on his educational journey. He excelled as a student at Sanders Park Elementary, Blanche Ely and Pompano Beach High School. He was a proud member of the Pompano Beach High Class of 1973. Having a burning desire to fulfill his goal to become a teacher, led Willie to further his education by obtaining an Associate of Arts Degree from Broward Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida Atlantic University. He would use these tools to obtain employment with the Broward County School System and Village Academy. For over thirty years, Willie dedicated himself to ensuring that his students’ educational experience was second to none. He had a special talent for working with Exceptional needs students. The third period was a long one and for many years overlapped with some of the time for the second period. It was during this time that Willie gave his life to the Lord. His family had ensured that he had a religious foundation during his youth as a member of Antioch Baptist Church. As a high school student, Willie obeyed the gospel of Christ and became a member of the 15th Street Church of Christ. He was ecstatic when his grandmother and later grandfather joined him as members. Willie’s dedication to the Lord was evident in his devotion to being a Sunday school teacher, song leader, youth director, education department chairperson and preacher of the gospel. In addition to 15th Street, Willie would serve at Deerfield Beach Church of Christ and Renaissance Church of Christ. An Extended day was required as Willie found time to perfect his culinary skills. He was an exceptionally talented baker whose cakes were heavenly. Willie would use this talent to give back to his friends and loved ones. It was nothing for him to bless you with one of his famous cakes. In addition to baking in his spare time, he would tutor and mentor many of the children in our commu- nity. You could often find him visiting the sick and shut in and helping to take care of the elderly. He served with faithful devotion until his health would no longer allow him to do so. Last bell rings: As God saw that Willie was tired, he declared it was the end of the day and called him home on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memory: Sisters, Iola Cheeley, Elaine Lynn (Michael) and Annette Cheeley; Brothers, Anthony Johnson, Eugene Cheeley and Willie Robert Cheeley; Aunts, Thomasina Jackson and Ora Rodgers; Uncles, James Glover (Lillie Mae), Percival Gordon (Georgia) and Roy Dean Glover (Sandra). In addition, a host of other family members and friends whose lives he has touched will continue to cherish his memory.

Willie James Cheeley

July 17, 1955 - August 30, 2022