William Robert Faison

William Robert Faison, II entered this life on May 15, 1918 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the fifth of thirteen children born to the union of William Robert Faison, Sr. and Mary Louise Foulkes Faison. The family moved to Pitt County, North Carolina, where William received his early education. As his father farmed, William learned industry by carrying water to field hands at the age of seven. He continued to develop good work habits by shining shoes and delivering newspapers. Still in his teens, he developed entrepreneurial skills as a successful salesman for North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company. Even then, William showed his unselfishness by using his resources to contribute to the comfort and education of his siblings. His family moved to Farmville, North Carolina, where he met and married a teacher named Melba Catherine McKinney. After the birth of their first son, William Robert III, they moved to Baltimore. The family grew to include Melba Carol Jean and Charles Rudolph. When the children were young, William opened a restaurant, worked for Pennsylvania Railroad, and worked for General Motors. During those years, William continued his education in evening school. In 1966, he graduated from Morgan State College and began teaching in Baltimore City. He earned his Masters in Education from Coppin State College in 1968 and added further studies at the University of Maryland, Loyola, and Johns Hopkins Universities. William ended his professional career with Jessup Correctional Institution, where he developed a progressive program for inmate education, which is still in use. After retirement, he increased his community activities. A member of Union Baptist Church since 1944, he supported its ministries with his time and resources. Specifically, he was a member of the Men’s League and Welcome Circle, a volunteer in the Head Start Program, and a teacher in the GED program. Furthermore, he supported the United Negro College Fund, the Urban League, The N.A.A.C. P., and the Correctional Educational Association. In every decade of this life, William Faison offered assistance with the works of mercy; feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, burying the dead, visiting the sick, harboring the homeless, and educating generations. Moreover, he volunteered as a tutor at the Nathan Pitts Elementary-Middle School. Happiest in the company of family and friends, William enjoyed the camaraderie of the Mules, the O’Nose, the Pinochle Bugs, and the Drifters amonghis many associations. In addition, he was a Master Mason, Price Hall Affiliate. Hosting family and friends was the joy of his life. All who knew and loved William will miss the friendly, jovial man who never failed them in times of need. Survivors include; His children, Dr. Melba Green and Charles Rudolph Faison; his son-in-law, Rickey Green; his sisters, Geneva Lassiter, Josephine Walker, Mozelle Faison, Amanda Spiller, Hilda Mae Faison; his grandsons, Mboya Marcus Coward and Germayel Aquil Moses; his great-grandsons,Tyler Coward and Marcus Coward; his devoted partner of many many years, Mrs. Margaret Land; and a host of relatives, family and friends.

Tributes

William Robert Faison

May 15, 1918 - March 1, 2002