William T. Kent

William T Kent 76, of Rockford, departed this earthly life January 4, 2022, with family present. William was born October 28, 1945, in Charleston, MS, to Josie Thompson and W.T. Kent. Moved to Rockford in 1950 from Mississippi. William attended West HighSchool. He served as a founding member of the Rockford Black Panther Party. During this time, William helped to organize free breakfast and lunch program, free medical assistant programs. William spoke at marches and rallies across the country about civil rights issue and police brutality and issues of the time. William also was an Army Veteran. He married Rosalyn “Cookie” Harris July 23,1978 in Rockford, IL. William was very gifted golfer; with those talents he started a Youth Golf program that help young people learn to play the sport he loved. William also became a member of West Side NA where he changed his life and many others with his time and teachings. William worked and retired from NIU. Later worked from the Rockford YMCA for 22yrs. William graduated from Rock Valley College with an Associate Degree and was currently perusing a bachelor’s degree from NIU. 

William leaves to cherish many memories, five daughters A’Love, Naomi, Earnestina, Jesilyn (Reginald) Givens and Erickia(Sean) Harkins: two sons Harold (Tiffany)Kent and Joey Harris; six brothers- James (Victoria), Jimmy (Margret), Roy (Glenda), Robert, Ernest and Bradley (Melissa) Kent; three sister Diane Jacobs, Naomi (Dick) Strand and Peggy Burrows. Two aunt RoseHoward and Mary Thomas and 17 grandchildren 2 great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. 

He was predeceased by his spouse and parents.

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