Mrs. Mary Willis

Mrs. Mary Howard Willis, 91, of Olive Branch, MS, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 11, 2017. Mrs. Willis was born on April 22, 1926 in Ferriday, LA, to Frank and Beatrice Howard. Mary confessed her faith in Christ at an early age while attending Mt. Calvary Church located in Jackson, MS. Mrs. Willis married the late Mr. Jimmy Willis in 1942 and moved to Chicago, IL, that same year; to this union nine children were born. While living in Chicago, Mrs. Willis attended several churches including, Leclaire Missionary Baptist Church, where she loved singing the Lord’s praises with the choir for over 25 years. Mrs. Willis attended the House of Praise while living in Houston, TX, with her daughter. In January 2017, Mrs. Willis moved to Olive Branch, MS, where she attended St. Paul Baptist Church with her family who resided in Olive Branch. Visitation will be held Saturday, June 17, 2017, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home, 9370 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS with the funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Coleman Funeral Home. Rev. Daryl Howard of Greater St. John Bible Church of Chicago, IL, Pastor Ira J. Acree, has the honor of officiating the services for Mrs. Willis. Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include one sister, Luberta (Dorsey) Mixon of Jackson, MS; five sons, Danny (Wanda) Willis of Milwaukee, WI; David (Doris) Willis of Olive Branch, MS; Clarence Willis of Chicago, IL; Charles (Wenonah) Willis of Hoffman Estates, IL; Phillip Willis of Chicago, IL; one daughter, Lora (Steve) Taylor of Houston, TX; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Willis also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and neighbors between Chicago, Houston, and Olive Branch to cherish her memory. She touched the lives of many with her loving spirit for people. Mrs. Willis was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Beatrice Howard; her husband, Jimmy Willis; one sister, Beatrice Howard; three children, James Willis, Johnny Willis, and Gwendolyn Willis; and one granddaughter, Kimberly Willis. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Mary Willis

April 22, 1926 - June 11, 2017

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