Willie James Lockett

Elder Willie James Lockett: His Testimony

I Will Rest Now

Don’t grieve for me, for now I will rest

I am following the path laid out for me

I could not stay another day

Task left undone must stay that way

I found that place at the end of the day

I will take my rest

If my parting has a void

Then fill it with remembered joy

Be not burden with this time of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow

I will Rest Now

While here on earth I did the will of the Lord

Who shed his blood for me

I will go now to that city that God has prepared for me

For I will take my rest now.

Sunrise: October 27, 1923      Sunset: April 10, 2020

Willie James Lockett lived a long and prosperous life. He was a husband, a father, a man of God pastoring two churches for over 50 years ministering touching many lives. With his faithful wife, Sis. Geneva Lockett by his side, they won many souls to Christ birthing many ministers, pastors and some bishops during his tenure.

Pastor Willie James Lockett fell asleep in the Lord on Good Friday on April 10, 2020 at 11:00 AM. We celebrate the life and accomplishments of a man chosen by God, who preached the Word in season and out of season, approved of God a workman rightly dividing the word of truth. He was not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.

Willie James Lockett was born on October 27, 1923 to MB and Alma (Lewis) Lockett in Dixon Mills, Alabama. He was the eldest of nine children, four brothers: Ernest, David, Rayfield, and Woodie, and four sisters: Millie, Lilla Mae, Ella Bee, and Elma. He spent his boyhood and early manhood working the family farm.

On October 29, 1941 he was united holy matrimony to Miss Geneva Williams. To this union were born four boys, James Edward, Jeremiah, Clyde Milton, and Jerome James.

In 1946 both Willie and Geneva were baptized in Jesus’ name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues in a month-long revival in Mobile Alabama under Bishop Washington.  They both began to work for the Lord in winning souls to Christ with much zeal and tenacity.  Bro Willie would be become a deacon in the church.

In 1950 Deacon Willie, his wife and other family members migrated to Gary, Indiana seeking employment and a better life to rear a family. On April 24, 1953 he was hired at General America Transportation Corporation (GATX) as a general laborer and later became a fork-lift operator working in shipping and receiving. It was during this time that he felt a call over his life to preach the Gospel. In 1952 he became an ordain Elder with the A.O.H Church Organization (Apostolic Overcoming Holiness). Bishop W. T. Phillips of Mobile Alabama was the Presiding Bishop.

In 1952 Elder Lockett was inspired by God to begin a ministry in Michigan City, Indiana. There he founded The A.O.H. Philadelphia Church of God.

In 1970 God led Pastor Lockett to start a new ministry in his hometown Gary, Indiana. God opened a door to purchase a church building on Hamlin St. and Philadelphia Church of God #2 was formed. Pastor Lockett continued to pastor 25 more years, touching many lives and winning many souls to Christ.

In 1985 he retired from GATX and became a full-time pastor.

Pastor Lockett was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Elma and MB Lockett, his sister Millie, and four brothers, Ernest, Rayfield, David, and Woodie.

He leaves to cherish this great legacy, his wife Geneva Lockett, four sons, James Edward, Jeremiah, Clyde Milton, and Jerome James, three sisters, Lilla Brigham, Ella Bee Hayes, and Elma Holloway, 17 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Due to CDC guidelines and the health of our community, private services with immediate family only will be handled by Geisen Funeral and Cremation Services in Merrillville, IN.  Willie will be laid to rest at Evergreen Memorial Park in Hobart, IN.

You may leave a message or share a memory on Willie’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com  (219) 769-3322.

 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8, KJV)