Virginia

Willis

Virginia Irene Willis went to be with the Lord December 31, 2025 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio- Detroit Avenue with her family circling her in love and prayer.

She was born in Darbyville, Virginia on January 17, 1920 to the union of Jesse and Mary (Barnes) Bazel. She was saved at the early age of 11 years old professing her love for Christ. Mother Willis was united in Holy Matrimony to William (Bill) Willis on August 6, 1976, they were married until his death on February 29, 1990. From this union she had no biological children, but from a previous marriage she was blessed with a stepdaughter Wanda Maxine (Tye) Burel whom she raised and loved.

She was employed by AB Stanberry Builders as a Domestic Worker for 32 years, Imperial Lanes for 16 ½ years and Showcase Lanes for 4 years as a Custodial Worker. She also worked for several families doing day work throughout the years.

Mother Willis loved the Lord and was always eager to serve him in whatever capacity needed. She was a faithful and longtime member of Prayer Tower C.O.G.I.C. for 29 years under the leadership of Elder Percy L. Jordan. During her service she was a Sunday School teacher, a mentor, a prayer warrior, Mother of the church, and served as Mother of the Southwest Fourth District in Ypsilanti, Michigan. On March 18, 2016, she received The Bishop's Treasured Vessels Award Ohio North First "Senior Saints" 85 Years Old or Older at the Worker's Meeting , in Mansfield, OH . When anyone would ask her what is her secret for living so long she would say "My secret is trusting and obeying God's Word." God always came first in her life.

She has been a nurturing mother, aunt, grandmother to family members' children, children of those she worked for and many others young and old in need of unconditional love throughout her life. She loved cooking, baking, singing God's praises, witnessing about the goodness of God, and just being with her family. To know her was to love her, she lived a blessed life.

Mother Willis was preceded in death by her husband William (Bill) Willis, stepdaughter Wanda Maxine(Tye) Burel, sister Helen (Eddie) Diamond, and brother Virgil Bazel.

She leaves to cherish her niece Deborah (Dwight) Driskill, great-niece Angela (Rex) Rice, great-great nieces, Jasmin Watson, Reygn Rice, great-great nephew Rexx Rice II, great great great niece Milan Evans. Grandson Glenn (Kaye) Burel , great granddaughter Carla Burel, great grandsons Glenn Burel Jr., Omari Burel, Kafele Burel, Jelani Burel, great-great granddaughters Mackenzie Irene Pattin, Pangea Burel, great-great-grandsons Legacy Smallwood, Nasir Burel, and Zaire Burel and a host of other relatives and friends.