On Monday July 15, 2019, The Great Almighty God dispatched an angel to bring home the soul of our dearly beloved Mother,Aunt, Friend, and Prayer Warrior Dorothy Georgeann Willis. She was born January 12, 1928 to the late Ms. Elnora Perry and Mr. Walter Whitehurst.
Mother Willis was educated and reared in the Princess Anne County section of, Virginia Beach, VA. She worked for over 30 years as a Domestic Engineer and operated a daycare in her home for over 10 years. Mother Dorothy Willis received salvation under the founder and leadership of the late Elder Jerome Spence and served faithfully under the leadership of Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., until her health would not allow. In 1964, Mother Willis marched from Hughes Ave. to the new location of St. Stephens C.O.G.I.C. on Beautiful Street. She was a lifetime member. Mother Willis was blessed with the gift of singing; it proceeded throughout the local district and jurisdiction. She served invarious choirs for over 55 years: Choir #2, Gospel Choir and the Christmas concert choir known as the alphabets. She was a-member of Open Hearts radio group, and an assistant youth choir leader. She held may offices during her lifetime and was faithful. Her ministries included Sunday school Teacher, Nurses Unit,Sunshine Band, YWCC, Prayer and Bible Band and the W.I.N.G.S. Outreach Ministry. Although singing was in her heart, she was a great prayer warrior that many called upon during their time of need.
Her husband the late Deacon Paul Willis Sr., who lovingly called her “Baby Dear”, predeceased her.
She leaves to cherish precious memories: a son, Mr. Paul Willis Jr.,(Virginia Beach, VA), niece’s Elizabeth Battle (Portsmouth,VA), and Ms. Deloris Whitehurst(Canton, OH). A nephew Mr.Paul Whitehurst(Canton, OH), a great niece Ms. Carolyn Davis and great nephews Mr. John Charles and Mr. Randolph Charles of (Portsmouth, VA), a grandson, Mr. Andre Jones(Norfolk,VA), Goddaughters, Ms. Rosetta Stayton and Mrs. Renae White,Godsons, Minister Jupiter Wilson and Bishop Bernard Tann.
Special mentions: Ms. Anne Willis, Evangelist Emma Bradley, Sister Evelyn Moore-Barnes, Evangelist Cathalene D. Green-Butts, Sister Tracie Saunders, Evangelist BarbaraTalley and Missionary Deborah Gregory. Special friends Mother Sarah Cowell and Mother Willie Bell Brown.
Mother Willis, always will be remembered for her love of colorful pens and church mints.