William Everett Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Congleton Funeral Home and Cremations - Greenville on Aug. 9, 2025.
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William Oscar "Boot" Everett was born on January 6, 1925 in Martin County, Robersonville, North Carolina, one of twelve children born to the late Lucy Hines Everett and late Charles Everett, Sr. He departed this life peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025. He reached the great milestone of 100 years old, a "Centenarian". This milestone marked a century of life experiences, world changes (i.e. The First African American President and Vice President), wisdom and personal growth. As "Centenarian" William Oscar "Boot" proudly also held the role of Patriarch. His siblings were very special to him, as they were to each other. This was evident when they called each other every day. Not a day went by without them talking to one another. They often spoke of family events, historical events, or social changes, each one of them sharing wisdom and stories. He thought it was his duty/responsibility to monitor the happenings within the family at all times. He kept up with birthdays and special occasions by making sure he made his phone calls. Family members were always excited to hear from him. He was always just a phone call away, ready to share laughter and wisdom. William Oscar "Boot" Everett was not privileged to a formal education; however, he was smart. He was an industrious person of strength and resilience, and definitely never one to shun hard work. His 100-year lifetime journey was tasked as a farmer, food and grocery deliverer, shoe salesman, lawn care and landscaping specialist, and being an awesome baker and cook. Among his best baked goods were his delicious three and four layer chocolate cakes with the dark creamy icing. He was able to show off his skills as a proud cook and baker for the local hunting club in Gold Point, NC. William Oscar "Boot" Everett was a sharp/dapper dresser who loved wearing the latest fashions, tailored suits, sharp ties, crisp shirts with stiff collars and cuffs and shined shoes. Any day, every day, he took pride in his appearance. He inspired everyone he met to embrace life by keeping God first and being kind. One of his special strengths was the ability to interact with individuals from all walks of life. He wasn't one to talk much, but when he did, it always meant something. His presence was a steady force for good. William Oscar gave his life to Christ at an early age. He took great pride in becoming a devoted member of Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church, where he deepened his spiritual walk under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Russell Roberson, Sr. As he grew spiritually one of his greatest joys was spreading the word of God and singing in the choir at Christ Temple. He also took pride in the upkeep of the lawn and landscape of his church. In 1944, William Oscar married Nellie Mae People (preceded in death Stokes, NC). Also preceded him in death; his sons, A. Thomas and Mervis Leroy; his siblings, James Everett, Esther Keel, Erma Mae Moore, Lucy Mae Black, Annie Marie Jordan, Charlie "Jack" Everett, Julie Lawrence, Betty V. Ward, and Christine Everett. He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy daughters, Cudilus Moto Jama Everett of New York, Helen Joyce Runnions of Florida, Carolyn Smith of Missouri; a very special niece, Deborah "Poochie" Jordan of Bethel, NC, who was his care-taker and whom he greatly admired; his brother, Jesse Ray Everett, Sr.(Hazel) Robersonville, NC; sister, Margaret Heyward of Dover, Delaware; six grandchildren, Chandrika Cooper, Ayize Ime Jama Everett, who quoted "He was a good man who was fortunate to have good kids in his life. May his memory be a blessing."; Nickolas Ervin, Caesean Brown, Jhaughnthea Brown, Cherrnease Brown; twelve great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. William Oscar "Boot" Everett was a gift to many as he traveled on this earth for 100 years touching many lives with kindness, generosity of spirit, love of humor, God's word and spiritual nuggets that will forever remain in our hearts and minds. What a gift!