Mr. Willie Bartley Jr.

Willie Earl Bartley Jr., lovingly known as “Peanut”, was born March 21, 1973. He passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved son of Beatrice Bartley and the late Willie Earl Bartley Sr. Willie was raised in the Bronx, where he attended school at PS110, PS147, and William Howard Taft High School. He went on to work as a mail carrier at Willkie Farr and Gallagher. 

As a young man, he was nurtured in faith at Missionary Baptist Church of Love. In 1998, he further deepened his spiritual walk by joining Galilean Deliverance Temple under the leadership of Bishop Darrell McFadden Sr. and Overseer Lisa McFadden. There he served as an armor bearer, musician, and a huge part of the transportation ministry. He was also walking into his calling to serve in the office as a Deacon. 

A man of many talents, Willie was known as a barber, painter, detailer — truly a jack of all trades. His hands were gifted and his heart full of joy. He had an infectious spirit that made him the life of the party, whether he was drumming, dancing, or singing. His love for music and celebration left an unforgettable impact on everyone who knew him. Among his many passions, football held a special place in his heart. He was a proud member of the Browns, Rawness, and the Trojans — teams that gave him great joy and camaraderie. Football was one of the few things that could keep him from Sunday morning service. Willie was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, nephew and uncle.

He leaves to cherish fond memories with his wife, Yesenia Bartley; three children, Myriah Bartley, Jaden Bartley, and Jayla Bartley; his mother, Beatrice Bartley; two bonus sons, Darnell Owens & Ray McLeod; his cherished grandson, Kairo McLeod; loving siblings, Nathaniel Bartley (Linda), Lisa McFadden (Darrell), Cassie Bartley and Janice Bartley. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles Sara Bartley, Leon Bartley, Cassie Cobbs (Benny), John Porterfield (Alberta), Dolly Fields, Rev. Aleatha Black, Kenny Porterfield (Sonya), Bishop Franklin Porterfield (Geraldine), Dr. Sherman Porterfield (Annette), Theresa Porterfield. He was a beloved uncle to Shaquana Bartley, Sherell Lee, William Lambacker, Nathaniel Bartley Jr., Darrell McFadden Jr. (Hadassah), Marquis McFadden, Rondell Bartley (Genesis), Linnae Bartley, Tyrell McFadden, Ny’JarelleMcFadden and Omari Welcome; eighteen grand nieces and nephews and one great grand-nephew. He also leaves behind his beloved goddaughter, Kristina Ortiz, and god-siblings, Clyde Black, Melissa Black, and Tyrone Greene. A special thanks to Noel Santos and Shawn Farmer—brothers for life from Webster Avenue. Willie Earl Bartley Jr. will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his kindness, humor, and the joy he brought into every room. His legacy of love and laughter will continue in the hearts of all who knew him.

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