Willie Lassiter Sr., 79, of Suffolk, quietly passed away on Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, in Obici Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 29, 1922, in Conway, N.C. to the late Rufus and Ella Lewter Lassiter. One son preceded him in death, Willie Lassiter Jr.

He is the husband of Lossie Cooper Lassiter.

He was a member of Tabernacle UCC Church of Suffolk.

He is survived by his wife Lossie Lassiter, four daughters, Florence (Richard) Charris, Carolyn (Hersey) Flythe, Ella Riddick, and Pearlie Henry; four sons, Rufus Lassiter, James E. (Celeste) Lassiter, William (Rose) Lassiter, and Terry Goodman; one brother, Ernest Lassiter; one aunt, Acrie Jeffers; one sister-in-law, Inez Lassiter; 24 grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren,

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Tabernacle UCC Church with the Rev. Carlton Upton Sr. officiating. Interment will be in Holly Lawn Cemetery, Suffolk.

Viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

T.E.Cooke-Overton Funeral Home in charge.