Obituary William McKinley Mickens was the youngest son born to Wilson and Lou Ida Holmes Mickens.  He was born in Sumter, SC on July 31, 1933 and later moved to Paterson, New Jersey where he spent many of his working years and served in many of the ministries at The Greater Bethel COOLJC. He was an ordained Elder, an avid worshiper, and well known for his singing, often in the choir but mostly as a soloist. He was married to the late Marie Tindal Mickens and they had two sons. He was very close to many of the older saints in the church as he looked out for them, went and sit with them, and transported them to many of their doctor appointments and other places. He loved his family, as well as his sister and brothers in the Lord and demonstrated that love often. In his later years he returned to his hometown of Sumter where was a member of the New Hope Church and remained until he departed this life on Monday, August 17, 2020. He leaves two sons, Leslie and Nolan Tyrone; one sister Susan Spann, one sister-in-law Van J. Mickens, five grandchildren: Aundré, Robert, Desiree, Dynasty, and Kiasia; two great-grandchildren: Jaliyah and Josiah; a host of nieces and nephews and other family members and friends.   To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William McKinley Mickens, please visit our floral store.