Mr. William Northan

Obituary for William Edward Northan

Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Legacy

Mr. William Edward Northan, age 82, of Eden, MD, passed away on August 11, 2025, surrounded by family and love in Albany, GA. Born on March 16, 1943, in Salisbury, MD, William was the beloved only son of the late William Cecil Northan and Hazel “Dale” Gertrude Bounds Northan.

William was educated in the Wicomico County school system. In his earlier years, he loved attending Friendship United Methodist Church in Allen, MD, with his parents, where he developed his lifelong love for singing. He enjoyed animals, especially horses, and his dogs “Fluffy” and “Ralph.” Hunting, fishing, and working on the family farm alongside his father, cousins, and other farmers gave him a strong love for family, hard work, and land ownership. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and later held various supervisory and manufacturing positions in Delaware and New Jersey.

While in New Jersey, William met the love of his life, Julene Earl-Moody, a nurse. They were married for 30 years. After taking early retirement, William and Julene returned to Eden, MD, where they lovingly cared for his mother until her passing on July 1, 2016. William was an avid coin collector, especially of Susan B. Anthony coins, and he also enjoyed reading and history.

William loved to travel with his wife, Julene. Together they shared a love for daytime dramas, especially The Young and the Restless. They enjoyed the beach, casinos in NJ, VA, and Ocean City, MD, walking the boardwalk, going to movies, and attending Tyler Perry plays. William loved westerns and action films; his favorite actor was Denzel Washington. He also enjoyed coffee, chocolate, ice cream, and candy. Outgoing and friendly, William never met a stranger.

He enjoyed working with his hands and completed many projects, including gardening, tree cutting, and landscaping. He took great pride in his lawn, which neighbors often admired as the best in the neighborhood. William had excellent accounting skills and enjoyed sharing his wisdom about saving, investing, and banking with his grandchildren. A man of faith and wisdom, he offered guidance about life, faith, and perseverance.

William had a powerful voice and loved to sing gospel, blues, and oldies. He enjoyed dancing, telling jokes, and his witty sense of humor brightened every room he entered. He loved sports, especially football and baseball. He also enjoyed rides, working on his classic 1986 red Chevy C20 truck, and watching virtual sermons from Rev. Timothy Flemming Sr. of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA), Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House (Dallas, TX), and his granddaughter, Pastor Tynesha Moody of PTM Ministries International.

Those who are left to cherish his memory:

William was especially blessed by a devoted daughter and granddaughter who provided unwavering love, healthcare, and support—affectionately known as “His Angels.” Bernadette McRae of LaGrange, GA, and his granddaughter, Tynesha Moody of LaGrange, GA, along with his great-granddaughters Ka’dynce, Meghan, and Destiny Moody, lovingly cared for him and remained faithfully by his side until the very end. He will also be deeply missed by his devoted and special friend, Ms. Shirley Williams of Albany, GA.

William also leaves to cherish his memory his son, Matthew (Kerry) Stephens of California; granddaughters Nicole, Alexandria, and Melanie Stephens; and great-granddaughters Malaya, Chris, and Ember.

William is also survived by his daughter, Hope (Edward) Grebos of Salisbury, MD; grandson Ni’Wyn Northan; granddaughter Amy Grebos of Salisbury, MD; and great-grandchild Journi Waters of Salisbury, MD.

He is further survived by his daughter, LaShone Stephens of California, and her children, Bob Murphy and Tierra King, along with great-grandchildren MaRayia Moreno and Ryder Moreno. He is also survived by his daughter, Terina Stephens, and her children, Katrina, Brandon, and Somer.

William also shared a special bond with cousins Homer (Lorece) Bounds, nieces Kim Collins and Kishia Bounds of Maryland, special cousins Ella Northan Roux and Willie Mae Wilson of Parksley, VA, and Rev. Annette Northan-Austin of Pocomoke City, MD, First cousins include: Norman White of Illinois; Miles White of Pennsylvania; Shirley Justis of Washington, D.C.; Gecolar Bagwell, Denson Spence, Gregory Spence, Jeffrey Northan, and Barbara Ames, all of Virginia; and Anthony Northan of Delaware. as well as a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

William was the eldest grandchild of thirteen, born to Norman and Hattie Northan of Parksley, VA. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his loving wife, Julene Moody-Northan,