Willie Lewis Hoskins

Willie Lewis Hoskins, 79, passed away peacefully in his home on October 6, 2025, surrounded by family. Lewis was born June 21, 1946, in Batesville, Mississippi to the late Jim and Eva Hoskins. He married the love of his life, Marie A. Jackson, on October 3, 1970, and for the next 55 years they built a life rooted in love, faith and service.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial will be at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Rock Island National Cemetery with military honors; those wishing to attend the burial, please plan to meet at the funeral home around 8:15 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. departure.

Lewis retired from Commonwealth Edison in 1996. The following year he began serving as a full-time minister, a role he cherished deeply and faithfully until his death. His spiritual journey began years earlier when he dedicated his life to Jehovah God on November 18, 1978, a decision that guided the rest of his life.

Lewis will be remembered for his unwavering faith, calm spirit and love for teaching others about Jehovah. Through his ministry he helped many to come to know Jehovah and develop their own faith in the hope of the resurrection; a hope he held close to his heart. He was known for his kindness, gentle humor and the way he made everyone around him feel cared for and valued.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Marie Hoskins of Rock Island, IL; his children: Darren Whitten of Tunica, MS, Dartanian (Felicia) Hoskins, Sr. of Peoria, IL and Christopher (Elizabeth) Brown of Rock Island, IL; his grandchildren: Dartanian (Sunetris) Hoskins Jr., Dominique Hoskins, Delaney Hoskins, Morgan Whitten, Tehya Boyd, Alannah Collier, Arriyannah Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Bianca Brown, Christopher Brown Jr., and Lauren (Kameron) Dortch-Swift, along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings; Annie Laura Hoskins Johnson, Clarence Hoskins, Thero Hoskins, James Hoskins, Jimmy Hoskins, and Claude Williams; and his daughter, Shalonda Hoskins.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shown love, compassion and support during this difficult time. Your prayers, visits, meals, and comforting words have meant more to me and my family than words can ever express. Each call, hug and kind gesture reminded us how deeply Lewis was loved and respected.

A very special thank you to Lewis’ “TEAM”— Averis & Phil Dortch, Paquita & James Richardson, Charles & Valerie Kiel, JoElla Grice, Christopher & Liz Brown, Julius Thornton, Dartanian Hoskins and especially Lauren & Kameron Swift who relentlessly kept him comfortable. You spent countless hours providing round-the-clock care during his time of need. Your dedication, patience and kindness will never be forgotten. You kept a smile on his face and gave him comfort, dignity and peace; and for that my family and I will be forever grateful.

To our extended family and friends—thank you for standing beside us through it all. Your strength became our strength and your love carried us when our own hearts were heavy.

With love and gratitude,

Marie A. Hoskins

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.