Velma Lee (Pearson) Willis was born on June 1, 1936 to the late Mallie and James Pearson Sr. in Choctaw, Alabama. She was the youngest of 7 children. She was called home to glory on January 8, 2015. In 1955, she moved to Cincinnati, OH where she met James Willis Jr. On July 7, 1956, they married, and to this union were born seven girls and two boys. Sherrie (William) Sidney; Jennifer (Lewis) Bryant-Willis; Jacqueline (Rodney) Reed; James (Viola) Willis III; Pearl Willis-Thomas; Brenda (Dwayne) Wallace; Elmo Willis; Carol (Erick) Wallace; Velma (Tony) Willis, all of Cincinnati, OH. And Covington, Ky. Velma, accepted Christ at an early age, and was a faithful member at New Mission Missionary Baptist Church for many years.Velma was affectionately known as "Shorty", name given by her loving husband James. She was also called, "Big Mama", Granny and the great grandkids called her, Maw, Maw. She was also known as the "Mother of Madisonville" to a lot of children. She enjoyed life and took pride in her family and was a virtuous woman of God, She served HIM well. She enjoyed her daily Bible studies and attending church. She really enjoyed babysitting her great-grandchildren, she believed in teaching them, the way to go and they will not part from it. She was a wonderful cook and took great pride in baking her sweet potatoes pies, and her wonderful greens. She loved good music, her favorite singer was Luther Vandross, which she could listen to all day. Her loving memories will be cherished and greatly missed by her loving 9 children, one brother, Willie Pearson, Sr., one sister, Lillie Ruffin. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Mallie Pearson, 3 brothers James Pearson Jr, Ager Grant Pearson Sr., Elmer Pearson, and one sister Daisy Mae Pearson. Also survived by Five sister-in-laws Lurinda Clay-Ross, Ethel Carter, Inez Pearson, Gertrude Pearson, Susie Ingram all of Cincinnati, Ohio. She also leaves 32 grandchildren, 52 greatgrandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. A host of nieces, and nephews and several life-long friends, Early Burney, Evelyn Kidd, Anna Belle Riley, and Lucille Willer, Thank you, Ms. Lola Powell and family for helping her and her mother get a start in Cincinnati. Special friend Albert McSwain (preceded her in death). Many other family and friends. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at New Mission Missionary Baptist Church, 4809 Ravenna Street, Cincinnati (45227) with visitation from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. Interment at Laurel Cemetery - Cincinnati Ohio . Final arrangements entrusted to Walker Funeral Home, 1025 E. McMillan Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206. Call 513.251.6200 for additional information. Share special messages with the Willis family at www.HerbWalker.com. Honorary Pallbearers Willie Pearson Sr. Paul Willis James Willis 111 Elmo Willis Dwight Willis Tremaine Willis Sr. Dwayne Willis Sr. Tony Willis Shon Martin Robert Martin J'Mar Bryant Tevin Tracy Keiven Willis Erick Wallace Jr. The family of Velma Lee Willis wishes to express our deepest appreciation for the many comforting messages, prayers, flowers and other thoughtful expressions of kindness and concerns evidenced at this time of bereavement May God shine His bountiful blessings upon all of you. John 11:25-26 –Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this, Martha.

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