Obituary for Jonathan M. Wills
Jonathan MiKarl Wills was born April 10, 1984, in Bridgeport, Connecticut and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. Jonathan confessed Jesus Christ at an early age, joining Bethel AME Church, Stamford, CT. under the leadership of the Rev. Donald C. Luster. He was active in the YPD, served as an usher, a choir member and later became the church musician; serving faithfully until his family relocated to Bainbridge, GA. In 2005, Jonathan joined Nelson Chapel AME Church, under the leadership of the Rev. John Thomas. Sharing his God-given talent and gift of music, he became one of the church musicians, serving faithfully until his passing. He also served as the District Musician for the Thomasville/Bainbridge District of the South Georgia Conference. Jonathan was educated in the public schools of Stamford, CT, where he developed a love for music. It was at Rippowam Magnet Middle School where he was introduced to Jazz music, and it was at this time that Jonathan knew he would become a professional musician. He continued to progress musically through middle school and into high school. It was at Stamford High School, under the tutelage of Steven Fasoli that the world of music was fully exposed to him. The time spent with Mr. Fasoli, a prolific saxophonist himself, turned out to be the most valued in his musical career. Music Theory became a big part of Jonathan's life. While at Stamford High, he was a part of the Marching and Jazz Bands, Choir, Orchestra, and Jazz Combo. Following high school he attended Western Connecticut State University, where his major was Music Performance. His time there was cut short due to health issues. Jonathan had the opportunity to play with a diverse group of musicians and recording artists in his musical career. He played at Paul Newman's "Hole in the Wall" Gang Camp Benefit; toured the East Coast with Light Records - 'Youthful Praise' in 2004-05 , shared the stage with Israel Houghton and New Breed, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbet and G.A. He recorded and toured with unsigned artist Deon Kipping and New Covenant where he played and composed partial horn lines on their debut album, "Deon Kipping and New Covenant -Real Praise, Real Worship." He appeared with the group on BET- Bobby Jones Gospel in 2007. Locally, Jonathan continued to teach music theory from The Levee in Albany, GA and Gray House Studio in Bainbridge, GA. He has performed and recorded music with the Walden Family, and most recently with the Bo Henry Band, Blake Cook and Jodi Mann. His love of music kept him busy and he was always willing to perform with other musicians when called upon at various churches throughout the area. He is survived by his loving parents, Ethel & Jessie L. Wills, Sr., (Bainbridge, GA); a sister, Laresha Wills (Stamford, CT); a brother, Jesse L. Wills, Jr. (Crystal Jackson) Bainbridge, GA; Grandparents, Earl Wills, Sr. (Izola), Eloise West, Louise Hamilton; one niece, Skylan Rose Goodwin (Stamford, CT); a loving Godmother, Juanita Wilson, and a hosts of uncles, aunts, and other sorrowing relatives and friends. ��
Service:
Saturday July 11, 2015 11am
Nelson Chapel A.M.E. Church 640 Hall St. Bainbridge, GA.
Visitation:
Friday July 10, 2015 2-8pm
Bruton Mortuary Bruton St. Bainbridge, GA.
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Service:
Saturday July 11, 2015 11am
Nelson Chapel A.M.E. Church 640 Hall St. Bainbridge, GA.
Visitation:
Friday July 10, 2015 2-8pm
Bruton Mortuary Bruton St. Bainbridge, GA.
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