Essielean Willis

Mrs. Essielean Willis was the second of five children born to Mrs. Vera Battles on November 3, 1927, in Fellowship, Louisiana. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and attended Fellowship Baptist Church. She later united with Mount Union Baptist Church, where she maintained a lifelong and devoted membership.

She dedicated her life to serving the church in various capacities, including usher, choir member, secretary, treasurer, Vacation Bible School director, deaconess, Women's Mission member, and Mother of the Church.

Essielean married the love of her life, Mr. Eddie Willis. Together, they built a beautiful home where they lovingly raised their ten children. In addition to raising her own children and helping with her grandchildren, she also mentored and nurtured many other children in the community. Those whose lives she touched will forever remember her as an elegant, classy, and loving woman filled with wisdom and grace. She truly exemplified the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman-trustworthy, supportive, industrious, strong, generous, wise, encouraging, and God-fearing.

Throughout her 98 blessed years, Essielean demonstrated exceptional leadership. She successfully fulfilled many roles, including wife, mother, educator, chef, seamstress, gardener, manager, banker, and fashionista.

Essielean cared deeply for her family and community. She never hesitated to advocate for those in need, offering rides, preparing meals for the elderly, and sharing sound advice with anyone who sought it. She especially enjoyed teaching biblical principles for raising children and encouraging families to take pride in maintaining clean and orderly homes. She served as a voter registrar, poll watcher, and member of the City Council. She was truly a pillar of her community.

She was also a faithful member of Esther Chapter No. 128, Order of the Eastern Star, in Junction City, Louisiana.

Essielean graduated from Rosenwald School in Lillie, Louisiana. Between 1914 and 1932, nearly 400 Rosenwald schools were built throughout Louisiana to provide educational opportunities for African American children during segregation. Today, only about 18 of those historic structures remain standing. On April 26, 2026, she was interviewed via Zoom by Ja'el Gordon, historian, writer, and genealogist, regarding the Rosenwald School she attended, which is among those remaining structures. Essielean was believed to be the oldest living former student of Fellowship Rosenwald School at the time of the interview. Following the interview, the family learned that a grant had been approved to restore the school. They were also informed that she had been instrumental in helping both the Rosenwald School and church receive recognition as historical landmarks in Louisiana.

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Essielean Willis peacefully joined her loving and devoted husband in eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Willis; her mother, Vera Battles; her brother, Ralph Thompson; her sisters, Sally Montgomery and Margie Brown; and three beloved sons, James Willis, Lloyd Willis, and Floyd Willis.

She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Eddie Willis Jr. (Bettie) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Calvin Willis (Cleathe) of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Jimmy Willis (Monica) of Romeoville, Illinois; four daughters, Vera Hallums (William) of Sugar Land, Texas, Helen Bates (Calvin) of Missouri City, Texas, Carolyn Willis Jones of Arcola, Texas, and Essie Willis-Tubbs (Bobby) of Rosharon, Texas; one brother, Landis Thompson of Junction City, Arkansas; 25 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Mrs. Willis leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and unconditional love that will continue to inspire generations to come.