Willie Brazier Jr.

Willie Brazier Jr. was born in Montevallo, Alabama, to the union of Willie Brazier and Johnnie Mae (Brazier) Smith. He attended Garfield High School and went on to study at the University of Washington. Willie carried a deep commitment to civil rights and community empowerment throughout his life. As an active member of the Black Student Union at UW, he became one of the founding members of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party—standing on the front lines for justice, equality, and community support during a transformative era.

Willie went on to earn a degree in Human Services and dedicated his professional life to guiding others, spending most of his career as a counselor working with youth in juvenile detention. Through his empathy, wisdom, and lived experience, he served as a vital anchor and mentor for young people navigating difficult paths.

The oldest of ten siblings, Willie was a man of immense warmth, open-hearted generosity, and deep devotion to activism and service. He cherished quality time spent with family and friends, especially over a competitive game of dominoes.

Willie is survived by his son William Brazier & daughter Shelby Brown-Brazier; his grandchildren Leon Brazier & Dominic Dudley; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Edna Jones of Auburndale, Fl, Crystal Brazier-Conteh, Brenda Moon of Portland Organ, Juanita Currin; Willie Charles Brazier, Yvonne White (Richard), and Elaine Smith-Phillips. And host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his loyal friend David Jackson.

Willie was preceded in death by his father Willie Brazier Sr.; his mother Johnnie Mae Smith; Stepfather Robert Smith; His (3) brother’s Robert Smith; Jack Brazier; Eddie Brazier; his (4) sister’s Patricia Brazier, Linda Brazier-Williams; Mildred Brazier; Patricia Smith; His (2) Joanne Love, Aunt Edna Williams; his uncle’s Lloyd Smith; Ernest Forest

his nephew Jason Mack; his Great-nephew Joe Hayward Wilson; Brother-in-Law Phillip Jones, and dear friends, Vickie Brown and Robin Littlejohn.

Funeral services honoring Willie’s life will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM at Abbey View Memorial Park, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Solie Funeral Home.