Pastor Willie Chester Sr.Oxnard, CAPastor Willie Chester Sr. was born on Tuesday, January 4, 1936, to the late Pastor Samuel Sr. and Mother Ida Chester. He was born in Magnolia, Mississippi. He was the third child born of ten. Pastor Willie Chester attended Bailey Chile grammar school and Rosewood High School in Magnolia Mississippi. During his young years and early adult years, he and his family were members of Levi Temple C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Superintendent Levi of Magnolia, Mississippi. Pastor Chester gift for music was noted at an early age. He was gifted in playing music and singing. He attended church, Sunday School, YPWW on a regular basis. He later attended church under the leadership of his father Pastor Samuel Chester Sr. until he relocated to California. In 1958 Pastor Willie Chester met and married the lovely Claretha Baker. Their oldest child Lisa, was six months old when they relocated to Oxnard, California. Upon arrival to their new home state, they were welcomed by the late Superintendent Gilbert and Fanny Mae Jackson. The young family lived with them until Pastor Willie Chester Sr. secured employment. Prior to becoming a skilled carpenter, he worked odd jobs to support his young growing family. Pastor Willie Chester Sr. and his wife welcome four more beautiful children, Willie Jr, Georgia Darcell, Scottie Duran and Aretha Marcell. They soon became members of Morning Star C.O.G.I.C, under the leadership the late Superintendent Gilbert Jackson. He accepted Christ and received the Holy Spirit under the leadership Supt. Jackson. Because of his love for music he formed a gospel quartet, The Supreme Nightingales with his brothers, brother in law and cousin. They would perform at numerous churches and events where they routinely packed the house. He would also perform with his wife Claretha and Mother Ida Mae Verrett. He really loved music. In 1970 Pastor Samuel Sr. and Ida Chester relocated to Oxnard, California from Mississippi, where they formed Greater Hope C.O.G.I.C. Shortly after Pastor Willie Chester and his family joined his Father as members at Greater Hope. Pastor Chester was called to the Ministry under his father's leadership. He began to preach and teach the word of God. Later in in life he met and married the beautiful missionary Christine Levette Chester. They were married for 30 years before his passing. Pastor and Missionary Chester formed St. Matthew C.O.G.I.C. in 2003. Pastor Chester took pride in Pastoring and teaching a young congregation. He lovingly often referred to them as the "Corinthian Church". It didn't matter to him what their short comings were, He loved them unconditionally. Pastor Chester was the President of Evangelist Board in the Santa Barbara District. Pastor Chester and his wife labored together serving the Lord. He was known to have inspiring evenings of praise during the District meetings. Pastor Chester was also known for his electrifying guitar playing and singing. People anticipated him singing"Two Wings" and playing the one particular melody he became known for. He was a gifted musician and a true leader. Pastor Willie Chester Sr. was preceded in death by his father Pastor Samuel Chester Sr., Mother Ida Chester, Brothers Nathaniel, Paul, Charles, Samuel Jr Chester, Sister Mary Chester and Step son Darnell Levette. He is survived by his wife Missy. Christine Chester, his children Lisa McBride,(Clarence), Willie Chester Jr., Georgia Chester Williams (David) Scott Chester and Aretha Marcee Chester (fianc? Leslie). He leaves a legacy of adoring grandchildren, Shana, Tanesha, Justin, Vanessa, Jason, Shane, Clarence III, Sara, Jordan, La' Shay and Baby Mar 'Shay. He leaves nine great- grandchildren, Tijae, Corday, Keonne, Shyla, Jason, Julianna, Malakai, Jace and Nova. His brother Superintendent Eugene Chester Sr. (Floray), sisters Georgia Berry, Rose Nunnery and Carrie Bell (Vernell). Godsons, Randy, Jaques, J'rese, Dale and Jermaine. Goddaughters Janice, Patricia, Regina, Kawana and adopted daughter Patricia Joseph. His four step children, L. Karen Cantu, Ivan Levette, Nadra Webb, Myron Levette and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends that love and will miss him immensely. The viewing will take place at the Reardon Funeral Home from 5-9 pm on Friday May 12.There will be viewing at the church Saturday May 13 from 9: 30-10:15.The final viewing will be private The funeral will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 1500 N. "C" Street Oxnard at 10:30 am on Saturday May 13.Burial at Ivy Lawn Cemetery in Ventura CaliforniaThe repass will be held at New Progressive Missionary Baptist Church 3001 Rose Ave. Oxnard He was truly the King of Our Hearts Pastor Willie Chester Sr. has been entrusted to the care of the family owned and operated Reardon Funeral Home, 511 North A st. Oxnard, www.reardonfh.com