Willie Love Jr., Celebration 2018

During his life, the late Minister Willie Love, Jr. loved others in amazing ways. He and his wife, Shirley Love, were married for over 43 years. After his passing, Shirley & their daughter Tiffany Love-Newbill felt the need to celebrate his life in a special way for them, and it was an easy choice to give back in honor of his life. For the past three years, the family has chosen RIFA as a hosting place for their benevolence.

 

The mother-daughter duo prepare a special meal the night before Love’s birthday each year and this year was no different. The family decorated the Soup Kitchen, provided music and warm words to remember his legacy. The family also presented a love offering to RIFA in honor of the late minister and community hero.

“My Father loved all people, and we wanted to continue his legacy,” Love-Newbill explained. “I promised my father we would keep his legacy alive. It is hard work but someone is going to smile out of this. I get joy from continuing my dad’s legacy.”

Former RIFA Soup Kitchen Manager and current Volunteer Coordinator, Dan Ward, fondly remembers Minister Willie Love Jr., as a frequent volunteer and chapelin in the RIFA Soup Kitchen.

“Rev. Love was involved in serving in the soup kitchen and sharing the Word.” Ward said. “He was very passionate about sharing God’s word with individuals.” Ward went on to express his thoughts: “I think he [Willie Love, Jr.] would be very pleased that they [his family] are continuing his legacy of helping the less fortunate.”

The menu was a real feast: Macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, greens and most of all made with love.

Shirley Love worked tirelessly to prepare the meal and set the atmosphere for the celebration. “This is what he would do. . . feed the people. So it just passed on to us.” Shirley Love explained. “My husband is about loving people.”

Thank you Minister Willie Love Jr., and family for your support of RIFA in such a special way.

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