Photo: Dorothy Hall
I have kept the faith
In Ropery Lane Cemetery is a family headstone which reads:
In loving memory of
Michael Willey
died 18th June 1899
aged 44 years
Also Frances wife of the above
died 8th January 1929
aged 73 years
Also Frances, daughter of the
above died 31st January 1912
aged 29 years
Also Michael, son of the above
died at Calais, France, March
29th 1919 aged 36 years
The Chester-le-Street Chronicle 04/04/1919 carries a death notice:-
Willey - on the 29th March aged 30 years, Pte. Michael, the dearly beloved son of Frances and the late Michael Willey of 10 Co-operative Street, Chester-le-Street died in hospital at Calais, France from influenza and pneumonia. Ever remembered by his loving mother brother and all friends. "The night is dark and I am far from home, lead thou me on."
Michael Willey is remembered at Chester-le-Street on C105.12, C105.15 and C105.40
