Deacon Willard Lee Gidney

Deacon Willard Lee Gidney, 90, of Youngstown transitioned from his earthly labor to his eternal heavenly home on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at his home with his devoted wife and loving family at his side.

​Deacon Gidney was born August 17, 1935 in Youngstown, a son of Sanford and Myrtle Williamson Gidney.  Willard was a 1953 graduate of North High School and after graduating, joined the United State Marine Corp where he served in the Korean War.  He was a member of the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the EMBC Deacons Board, and was the project manager for the new edifice in 2004.  He was also a member of the Male Chorus, a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Mahoning Shenango Valley Baptist Deacon’s Union where he served in several leadership roles. Willard enjoyed watching Hallmark movies; was an avid Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers fan, but his passion was being with his family whom he loved deeply.

Deacon Gidney faithfully served God, his church, his family, and his country for many years. As a devoted deacon, respected veteran, and cherished member of the EMBC family. His life was a testimony of faith, humility, service, and unwavering commitment to the Kingdom of God. His legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

​He leaves to cherish his memory and to celebrate his life and legacy, his beloved wife, the former Michele Hickerson-Mitchell, whom he married May 16, 2016; his children, Joy Beacham of Austintown, Maureen (Joseph) Kirksey of Liberty, Marvin (Sheila) Gidney of Girard, Lisa Marie Redd of Atlanta, GA, Tanika Mitchell of Cleveland, and Brandon (Kyra) Mitchell of Columbus; grandchildren, Shawnese (Steven) Belcher, Kevin Jr. (Dalvon) James, Rashaunda James, Marvin Gidney Jr., Taneil Jackson, Jasmine (Michael) Alli, Tyler Mitchell,  Noah Mitchell, Ethan Mitchell, and Judah Mitchell; 15 great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; a special niece, Sharon Bourn of Nashville, TN and a host of family, church family and friends.

​Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife, Mary Juanita who he married December 29, 1971 and who passed away March 5, 2010; his siblings, Virginia McRae, Marion Rucker, Hazel Anderson and Warren Gidney.

​Visitation will be Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 1210 Himrod Avenue, Youngstown.  A Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

​Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

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