Obituary of Willie James Rocker

Willie James Rocker was born on April 19, 1957 in Monroe, Michigan to the union of John Rocker and Annie (Jones) Rocker. He attended Monroe High School where he was a talented member of the basketball team. Although he did not graduate with his class, Willie was proud to have persevered and obtained his GED.

For seven years during the 1980’s, Willie had been employed on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company in Milan, Michigan. A devout Christian, Willie was a lifelong parishioner of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe. He was inspired by spiritual music and often tuned into channel 411 on television, which played his favorite songs.

Although Willie struggled with several health conditions, he was not one to stay idle. He often ignored his family’s pleas to relax and instead insisted on keeping up with household duties. Willie loved to clean and kept his parents’ home spotless. He also managed the yard work and meticulously maintained the landscaping. Willie learned his way around the kitchen from his mother, becoming a wonderful cook and baking delicious cakes.

Extremely intelligent, Willie held knowledge on a wide variety of subjects, but especially enjoyed studying history. He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Detroit Pistons basketball team. Very outgoing, Willie never met a stranger. Although he had many friends, Willie deeply valued his family relationships. He always looked forward to visiting his father’s extended family at their home in Alabama and cherished time spent with his parents, children, and grandchildren.

Willie James Rocker, age 66, of Romulus, Michigan entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday; July 1, 2023. His passing was preceded by his paternal grandparents: Wesley and Gertrude Rocker; maternal grandparents: Frank and Erma Jones; his sister: Teresa Rocker; his nephew: Nathan Dedo; and several aunts and uncles.

To cherish his memory, Willie leaves his three children: Willie Rocker Jr.(Bookie) of Memphis, Tennessee, Christopher (Marilyn) Rocker Sr. of Romulus, Michigan, and Christina Rocker of Belleville, Michigan; four grandchildren: Laila Rocker, Christopher Rocker Jr., Anillah O’Neal, and Jayce O’Neal; his parents: John and Annie Rocker of Romulus, Michigan; one sister: Sheila Ann Rocker; and one little baby sister (Yolanda Jones) two brothers: Donley Rocker Sr. and Clifford Rocker; his niece: Rosslyn Rocker; three nephews: Donley Rocker Jr., Ryan Rocker, and Jeremy Rocker; and a host of friends.

Friends may gather on Saturday; July 8, 2023 from 12:00pm until 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Homegoing Celebration of Willie’s Life will follow at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s with his uncle, Reverend Eugene Rocker officiating. Cremation will follow through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.