Mr. Willmun Suber

Willmun Suber Sr. was born to Emanuel and Daisy Suber on January 2, 1926 in Union, South Carolina. He was the sixth born and second oldest son of fifteen brothers and sisters.  All but one brother and one sister are waiting to greet him in paradise.

He graduated from Carver High School and studied art and printing in college.  He joined the military where he served during World War II and survived D-Day in Normandy, France. Willmun served valiantly and garnered several decorations, including 2 Bronze Stars and a Victory Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1946.

On December 17, 1950 Willmun entered holy matrimony with Mamie Marcelle Suber. This union lasted 64 years until Mamie was called home in 2014.  Now they are together again.  Together, they raised six children, two boys and four girls. His daughter Theretha Suber, and his sons Willmun Suber Jr. (affectionately known as J.R.) and Kenneth Suber have been waiting patiently in heaven to be reunited.

With a large family to support, Willmun worked odd jobs and at General Hospital (which is now Truman Medical Center).  He also worked at Katz (formerly known as Osco’s and is now CVS) on 39th and Main. He worked for twenty-seven years at Interstate Book Binding, the company from which he retired.  He frequently brought home books for his children and grandchildren, nurturing a love for reading that has endured for generations. He also earned money as a sign maker.  His penmanship and calligraphy skills were so beautifully outstanding that people paid him to create commercial signs.  He created signs for Wild Woody’s Grocery Store, doctors’ offices, candy stores and other businesses along Prospect Avenue and other parts of the city. Of course the grandkids loved birthday cards where he would free hand personal birthday wishes just for them.

In 1965, the Suber family joined Friendship Baptist Church which at that time was located at 43rd and Montgall under the late Reverend I. H. Henderson Jr.  Willmun was a member of the Joseph Sheepfold and served as an usher on the usher board for many years and even received a designation as Usher Emeritus in 2007.  Friendship is now led by Pastor James A. Terrance Jr.

Outside of work and church, he led a varied life. He was an all-around handy man, a shade-tree mechanic and an avid gardener. And fresh from his garden….he made the best greens, green beans and potatoes and candied yams you have ever tasted! He loved westerns, the Kansas City Royals and was a lifelong fan of Ray Charles.

Mr. Willmun Suber Sr. gained his wings on August 2, 2022.  Remembering him with love are his brother Raymond Suber Sr. (Edna) of the city and his sister Clara Wofford of Spartanburg, South Carolina; three daughters; Meadrica Suber of the city, Shirley Suber of St. Leonard, MD. and Carolyn Suber-Brown (Darry) of the city. He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Willmun often said, “Oh well, we’ll make it, oh boy.” And we will make it, but we will miss him dearly.

He was also know for singing, “Shoulda been me, eating that ice cream and cake!” So now he, his wife Mamie Marcelle and other departed family members are sharing the bread of heaven together.

He touched the lives of many and for that we are extremely grateful.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 19, 2022, 10:00am at Friendship Baptist Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery, LVNKS. Visitation will be from 9am-10am at the church. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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