Obituary of William Redfern

Life Reflections William W. Redfern Sr. (known to family and friends as “Big Wilk’), was born January 23, 1941 the second of eleven children, in Union County’s Monroe, North Carolina, to the late Clyde & Lillian Redfern. He was called home to rest on April 12, 2020. William often spoke affectionately of his time attending and receiving his education in Union County’s Public-school system, along with his other siblings. He was a committed, courageous, and confident family man. His family-unit was central in the shaping of the world around him. He welcomed everyone into his home and treated all with respect. William relocated to Plainfield, New Jersey, in the early ’60s. Soon after, he encountered the love of his life Malqueen “Mag” Perry. He adored her, and she cherished him. Their love bound them together in holy matrimony in June of 1967. William fathered four sons, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. William was a member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church of Plainfield, New Jersey, where he attended church for many years. He loved fishing and watching boxing. William established Redfern Upholstery in 1975. First, as a storefront, then a home-based business. He grew Redfern Upholstery alongside of his wife, brother, and other family members, who, while pursuing other fields, still pitched in to make the business productive. It was William’s pride and joy; he made it his business to know each of his customers’ names, building lifelong friendships in the process. On any given day or night, you could find him in the shop, turning something worn into something magnificent. “Big Wilk” is preceded in death by his father and mother, Clyde & Lillian Redfern. His wife, Malqueen Redfern, 6 siblings; Elizabeth Redfern, Addie Geraldine Redfern-Harris, Lillian Redfern-Hadrick, Joniel Redfern-Godley, and Nathaniel Redfern. He leaves to cherish him in fond memory, his children, John Lewis of Great Falls, South Carolina, William Redfern Jr. (April) of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Corey Redfern (Jobina), and Jeffrey Redfern of Plainfield, New Jersey. Eight grandchildren; Dominique McNeill, Jameesh Redfern, Jahari Redfern, Jordyn Redfern, Deyvon Smith Redfern, Sade Cureton, Reginal Heath & Antoinette Cureton. Two great-grandchildren, Ahjai Jordan, and Blake Redfern. Siblings; Rev. Heywood Redfern (Marsha) of Monroe, North Carolina, Joseph Redfern (Sarah) of Plainfield, New Jersey and Suniel Redfern-Rutledge of Willow Springs, North Carolina, Geneva Redfearn (Daryl), April Redfearn, David Redfearn (Zella) of New York, Priscilla Redfern; sisters-in-law Betty Amaker (Willie) of Columbia South Carolina and Shirley Christian of Orangeburg, South Carolina; close friend Isaac Damon and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.