Willie B. Canady

Willie B. Canady was born on September 2, 1932 in ElDorado, Arkansas. He was the second of four siblings to the late Annie and Willie Canady. Also preceding him in death were his sisters Erlene Ford, Ruby Frazier and his daughter Phyliss Ann Canady.

Willie spent his early years in ElDorado and was a member of Free Union A.M.E. church. As a young man, he met Betty Sue Cobb, and in 1953 they were married. To this union, 6 children were born.

In 1965 this thriving young family relocated to Detroit, Michigan and united with The New Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist church. As part of his Christian experience, he was baptized by the late Pastor John L Webb. He served until his health became a challenge.

Willie was employed at the General Motors Corporation where he worked until his retirement began in 1995.

He was a true family man and was proud to be known by many names: Canady, daddy, pawpaw, friend and neighbor. One of his favorite pastimes was loading all the kids into the station wagon and heading off to Belle Isle to spend the day enjoying all the fun around the island. He had a love of fishing, jazz music, fixing things and repurposing common materials into his own works of art. Most of all, he really loved the outdoors.

He was a strong individual and a 2 time Vocal Cord Cancer survivor! He would raise his hand in praise, proud to give all the credit to his Father in heaven. As his health began to decline, he grew more confident in his nurse ‘Betty’. He often said that he was blessed beyond blessed to have such a wonderful caregiver. To him, she was his nurse, his Doctor, and his precious angel. He made sure that everyone knew it too. He often had a testimonial about God’s grace and mercy. His favorite affirmation was that he was ready anytime The Lord wanted him, but if He lived to make 100, he would appreciate that too.

On April 4, God saw that His precious son was getting tired, and on that beautiful and radiantly sunny day He spoke saying Come on my child and rest. With an unspoken farewell, he quietly went on home.

He has truly left a void in the hearts of many, especially his immediate family; his wife of 66 years, Betty Sue Canady, 5 children, Johnny (Marie) Canady, Charlene (Eddie) McDougle , Cynthia Porter, Willie Bernard Canady, Ronald (Andrea) Canady, 16 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, a brother, Robert Lee Canady, and a host of family and friends.



Don’t Cry for Me
I will be okay. Heaven is my home now, and this is where I’ll stay.
Don’t cry for me, I’m where I belong. I want you to be happy and try to stay strong.
Don’t cry for me, it was my time. But I will see you someday on the other side.
Don’t cry for me, I am not alone. The angels are with me to welcome me home.
Don’t cry for me, for I have no fear. All my pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears.
Don’t cry for me, this is not the end. I’ll be waiting here for you, when we meet again.



I’m Free
My life has been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief,
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now, He set me Free!




God Saw
God saw the road was getting rough.
The hill was hard to climb,
He gently closed those loving eyes
And whispered, ‘Peace be thine’.
The sleepless nights are passed,
The ever patient, worn-out frame
Has found sweet rest at last.



Miss Me, but Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your heads bowed low;
Remember the love that we once shared, miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey that all must take and each must go alone.
It’s all a part of our Master’s plan, a step on the long road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart, go the friend we know,
Laugh at the things we used to do, Miss me, but let me go.