Willie Carey Mewborn, Sr. of Hamden peacefully entered eternal rest on our precious Lord’s birthday Sunday, December 25, 2022.
Willie C. was the first-born child to the late Lossie Bell (Mewborn) Williams and Horace Pugh on August 8th, 1939, in Ayden, North Carolina, better also known as Pitt County.
Willie C. was a graduate of South Ayden High School in Ayden, North Carolina. In 1960; he moved to New Haven, Connecticut to make a better life for his family.
After working various jobs, Willie C. decided to pursue a career in Cosmetology and attended Vaughn Barber College in Hartford.
He eventually continued his education at Kaynor Technical School in Waterbury, where he studied Business, with the intention of owning his own business. In 1980, he achieved his dream by opening Willie C’s Unisex Barbershop on Dixwell Avenue, a staple of New Haven known far and wide.
Willie C. was blessed to work alongside his son Billy, where they both have been stellar representatives of and servants to their community.
On August 1st, 1981, Willie C. married Dorothy V. Gary. Throughout the years, Willie C. and Dorothy went on numerous trips. Canada, Atlanta, The Carolinas, you name it.
They hosted many family cookouts, where he also took part in the Pond Street Block Watch Association and the Freddie Fixer Parade every year.
Affectionately known as Mr. C to most and recognized as an unquestioned leader in his community, Willie C’s list of acknowledgments and recognition in service to his community is likely unparalleled and has been a continuum throughout his life.
In 2004, he was honored by King Solomon’s Lodge #23 PHA and the Hamden Notables as Man of The Year.
Throughout the years Willie C. was also recognized for many other achievements such as The James Thorpe Humanitarian Award, The John Jasper Award, AIDS Interfaith Community Service Award of New Haven and the Cosmetologist & Barbers Award of New England. Elected as District Councilman, Willie C. faithfully and honorably served the people of the 5th District of Hamden, Connecticut for 2 years beginning in 2005.
He simply had a calling for helping and serving his community.
Over the years, Willie C. served as a member on the Community Advisory Board for The New Alliance Bank, the Advisory Board for Gateway Community College, the West River SHIP Investment Group, the Hamden Black History Committee, and Widow’s Son Lodge #1 Eureka Chapter. Willie C. and Billy C. hosted many health fairs such as blood pressure screenings and mental health checks for those in the African American community.
Most recently, Willie C. was honored by the Ethnic Diversity Task Force, a group of world-renowned, licensed Psychologists from Connecticut who promote greater mental health access and advocacy for culturally competent psychological services in communities of color throughout the state. Willie C. loved to help everyone, and his reach far exceeded his local community. He was a giver.
He had a heart for those in need, especially the youth.
Willie C. loved the Lord with all his might and was a beloved member of The Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut where he served as a Deacon.
In 2002, Willie C. became the President of The Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church Male Chorus.
In 2004, Willie C. and Johnathan Q. Berryman formed an all-male chorus alongside Dr. Willis Barnett of Richmond, Virginia. Each year, over 200 men from various churches gathered around to sing the Lord’s praises. With the heart of gold Willie C. carried, he became the managing director of the Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church’s Soup Kitchen where he served the homeless every Sunday after service.
In his free time, Willie C. loved to tinker with old cars and was a collector of antiques.
His love for stylish suits and shoes was evident in the way he dressed.
He was an avid spades player and enjoyed reading the bible and watching the news. He was a diehard New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. Willie C. always had a word of wisdom or advice to give to anyone he came across.
“Always do the right thing and make sure it’s out of love.”.
Willie C. leaves to cherish his legacy his loving wife Dorothy of 41 beautiful years, four children, Cynthia Best of Greenville, North Carolina, Willie C. Mewborn, Jr. (Lillie) of Hamden, Connecticut, Debra L. Young (Reginald) of Cibolo, Texas, and Nikia Carey Mewborn of Hamden, Connecticut; five grandsons who he was lovingly known as “Pop or Pop Pop”, Brandon M. Young of Cibolo, Texas, Jordan A. Young of Austin, Texas, Willie C. Mewborn, III. (Brandi) of Atlanta, Georgia, Le’Andre C. Mewborn of Providence, Rhode Island, Jeremiah Best of Greenville, North Carolina and one granddaughter; Jaiden E. Singleton of Hamden, Connecticut who for the past 4 years was the light of his life and in his eyes did no wrong; six siblings; Harvey Williams of New Haven, Connecticut, Marian Williams of Hamden, Connecticut, Ronald Williams of New Haven, Connecticut, Vicki Green of New Haven, Connecticut, Delanna P. Hardy of New Haven, Connecticut, and Elizabeth P. Jones, of New Haven, Connecticut, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and special friends.
Willie C. is predeceased by his parents, Lossie Bell (Mewborn) Williams and Horace Pugh; his brother, Curtis (Ray) Williams; his brother-in-law, Bobby Barnes; sister-in-law, Viola Williams and grandson Derrick T. Young.
“If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain.”
His funeral is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 5, at Immanuel Baptist Church at 1324 Chapel St. in New Haven. Viewing begins at 9:30 a.m.; Masonic Service at 10:30 a.m.; Celebration of Life at 11 a.m.
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One of the loveliest and kindest men. I took my sons to Willie C's because I wanted them to have this authentic Black men barbershop experience. There was never "loose" talk, never profanity and always respectful atmosphere! I got my haircut there!
A real pillar of the community.
A real loss for our community.