Billy Desroe

On the morning of May 19, 2011, Billy A. Desroe was called to his heavenly home after bearing his illness with courage and grace.

Born on January 16, 1937 in Hillsboro, Texas, Billy was the son of the late Dumas Desroe and the late Lizzie Kelly. Billy graduated from Peabody High School in Hillsboro, Texas in 1955. Soon after graduating, Billy enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1957.

Billy moved to Jersey City, NJ in 1959. He worked at Kent Knitting Mills as a Sweater Presser until he retired in the late 70's. Billy was one of the founders of "Billy Dee and the Soul Explosion" where he was the lead vocalist and drummer. Billy and the band played in many clubs throughout the Newark and Jersey City area during the 60's and 70's.

He married the late Nancy Desroe in 1961. Billy moved his family to Newark, NJ in 1969. While living on Peshine Ave in Newark, Billy ran for and one the Southward District 10 Leader position. He served for many years until he moved to Irvington to help take care of his son. Billy reaffirmed his commitment to the Lord when he became a member of New Dawn Baptist. Billy was a devoted member and sang in the various choirs of the church as well as played the drums. In his last days, one of Billy's final joys was attending and singing at the New Dawn Baptist Church Male Choir's 1st Anniversary.

He was predeceased by his brother Arthur Ray Desroe and one of his favorite cousins Donald Steptoe.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Bell and her husband Willie Bell; his sons, Steven Brown, Adrian Desroe, Theodoric Desroe, Dwayne Miller, Anthony Turner; his daughter Georgette Brown; two grandchildren, Antionne Brown and Nadirrah Ingram; one special grandson Jawaan Outerbridge, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

Funeral Service Thursday - May 26, 2011 6PM @ New Dawn Baptist Church, 284 Peshine Avenue - Newark, NJ. Visitation at Church Thursday from 5 - 6PM. Interment Ridge Park Cemetery - Hillsboro Texas.

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