Willa Powell - Obituary

illa Mae Powell Willa Mae Williams was born January 5, 1932 in Warrenton, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Flora Brantley. Willa fell asleep in death on September 11, 2009. “Lil Bit” or “Bill”, as she was affectionately called by her family members, endeared herself to many. She was a faithful servant of Jehovah since 1960 attending the Washington Heights congregation, which later formed the Fort Washington congregation until her move to Maryland in 2007. She immediately became active in the Bryans Road Congregation until her death. Willa graduated with honors from John Hawkins High School in Warrenton, North Carolina. Immediately thereafter she married her love Eugene Edward Powell (who preceded her in death), with whom she bore six wonderful children and acquired a 7th wonderful child who she affectionately called “the other Lisa. “ Willa also attended the State University of New York Business school, the prestigious Abbey Institute and New York University earning her degree in education. She served as administrator of marketing at New York University until her retirement in 1995. Shortly after retirement she realized her dream to teach the bible to others on a full-time basis. Willa was an outstanding woman, classy, strong, loving, fun, dependable and loyal to her God, her family and friends. Her children adored her, admired her, cherished and indeed truly loved her. She had many grandchildren and each of them felt that they were her favorite. Willa was a world traveler, avid Bid Whist player, excellent dancer and seamstress. Also a little known fact, she was a great tennis and basketball player who taught her sons how to play ball. She is survived by her children: Eugene and Michelle, Arlene-Yvette, Michael and Tonia, Lisa and Richard, Barbara, Alisa and Ricardo, and Carlton. One sister-in-law: Queen Marie Webb of Warrenton, North Carolina. Grandchildren: LaTanya, Quinyata, Melinda and Blaze, Carlos Jr. and Cindy, Ricardo III, Laticia, Monique, Michael, Gerald, Crystal, Alysa, Tyree', Richard, Alexys, Brandon, Lena, Savannah and Aryanna. Great grandchildren: RaVon, Jaden, Isaiah, Diamond, Saiquan and Justus. Her closest sister/friends: Marva Hilton, Gigi Garay, Rostella Kendall and Barbara Smalls. Her spiritual mother: Betty Johnson An abundance of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends both physically and spiritually. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 3:00PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 609 W 161st. St., New York, N.Y. 10032