Willie James Croft

Willie James Croft, 72, of Cincinnati, Ohio departed this life Monday, May 17, 2021. He was born in Collinsville, Alabama on January 9, 1949 to the late Willie Ford Croft and Mary Louise (McElrath) Croft. He confessed his life to Christ early on in his life. Willie’s love for God was shown through his living. He was educated in the Cincinnati Public School System. Willie went on to become a certified welder, making a career out of welding. Willie’s love and joy for music were how he was often able to connect with the world. He seldom would serenade people with songs of praise and celebration. Willie found great pleasure in entertaining people as a DJ at many celebratory functions and local clubs, going by his most recent stage name of “Blues Willie Southern Soul” DJ. Willie leaves to cherish his memories: daughter, Karen (Delmar) Turner of Cincinnati, Ohio; Melissa Croft of Kentucky; four stepchildren he helped raise as his own: Blessings (Lamar) Foster of Corpus Christi, Texas, Fulton (Linda) Godfrey of Maryland, Bernard (Linda) Godfrey of Warrensburg, Missouri, Darryl (Carolyn) Godfrey of Shiloh, Illinois; brothers: Billy Gene McElrath of Pennsylvania, Jeff Croft of Michigan, Brian Hutchinson of Ohio; sister, Mary Martin of Alabama; aunts: Ora Jones, Irene Parker, Sadie McElrath, and Doris McElrath; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; long time special friend, Annie Godfrey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Ford Croft; mother, Mary Louise (McElrath) Croft; loving daughter, Christa Renee Godfrey; brother, Johnny “Buster” McElrath; brother, Timothy Lee Croft; and brother, Alfred Mason. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at House of Hope Fellowship Church, 1829 Elm St, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.