Elizabeth Willis

August 16, 1924 - September 22, 2019

A Beautiful Life Elizabeth Williams Willis was born in Warrenton, N.C. on August 16, 1924 to the late Robert Sr., and Nellie Plummer Williams. Answering the call of Almighty God, Elizabeth was called home on Sunday, September 22, 2019 with her loving family present. Lizzie, as she was affectionately known to family and friends, was the eldest of 14 children: 10 boys and 4 girls. Growing up on her family farm, she helped care for her siblings and was educated in the public schools of Warren County. During this time she was baptized at Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church and was an active member there throughout her young life. As a young woman, Lizzie relocated to Camden, NJ where she lived with relatives, worked various jobs, and took nursing courses. On Thanksgiving Day 1945 love walked into her life and his name was Neanie Willis. Introduced by relatives over dinner, the young couple courted and were married on September 28, 1947. The newlyweds lived with Dad’s two brothers - Uncle Bill, a bachelor, and Uncle Hubert - a widower raising three young children. Lizzie moved into this busy home and into their hearts. She soon joined Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. J. Pius Barbour. During her 70-plus years at Calvary she was active in a number of its ministries: Deaconess, 1967-present; founding member of the Scholarship Committee; member of Pius Pastor’s Aide and the Rosella Woods Missionary Society; Advisor to the Youth Choir; and Vacation Bible School teacher where her class of rambunctious teens proudly learned to recite the names of every book in the Bible...in order. Lizzie and Neanie eventually became proud, loving and devoted parents as God blessed them with four children: Christopher, Curtis, Jean and Jacqueline. Lizzie was an accomplished seamstress and she enjoyed making clothes for herself, her daughters, and nieces, as well as bridal wear and special occasion dresses for a wide circle of family and friends. She began cooking at an early age and she was a master cook! Dinner rolls and cakes were her specialties, but she cooked everything and it was all good! Blessed with a green thumb, Lizzie could grow any type of plant and nurture any plant back to life. Elizabeth’s expertise and nurturing personality made her a natural at childcare, which she provided to many children over the years. She took great pride in giving care, love, and guidance to several of her nieces and nephews, including Hubert Jr., Cartella, Loretta, Barbara, Frankie, Tamara, Tameka, Brittney and Shanirah. Sammy, Christen Anne, and Dalana also received her loving care and became members of our family circle. In later years when her health kept her close to home, she looked forward to visits from her deacons, deaconesses and other church members to pray and sing, and keep her informed of church happenings. The matriarch of the Williams family, she enjoyed attending reunions and gatherings, keeping in touch with her siblings, beloved cousins, many nieces and nephews, and providing a wealth of family history and knowledge through her many stories. Her four children loved her beyond measure. “Mommy and Daddy gave us much more than just a home. They made certain our lives were grounded in a strong Christian foundation and enriched with memorable family outings.” Elizabeth was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Neanie; one sister, Nellie; five brothers, Robert Jr., Adam Jerome, Frank L., Charlie, and Nelson; godson, Grant Beauford, Jr., and her sister-friend of the heart for more than sixty years, Nannie White. Elizabeth lived an exemplary Christian life and leaves behind to cherish her memory four children: Christopher (Beverly); Curtis; Jean (Kevin); and Jacqueline (Craig); five grandchildren: Christie, Tiffany, Brianna Elizabeth, Angel and Julian; two sisters - Fannie Brown, and Ella Foster: five brothers - Mason (Mildred); Alex (Willie Bea); Archie ( Elizabeth) all of North Carolina; Spencer (Ethel) Georgia and Neanie of Connecticut and one loving goddaughter- LaVerne White. She also leaves to mourn her passing numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. God, we thank you for her spiritual life, guidance, love, courage, wisdom, inspiration, perseverance, dedication, strength and fortitude. Servant of God, well done, Thy Glorious warfare’s past. The battles fought, the race is won. Lovingly submitted, The Family "Elizabeth was passionate about the power of education and encouraging the promise of young people. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made out to the Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship Committee, of which she was a founding member."