Mrs. Dorothy Marie Willis

Dorothy Marie Taylor Willis was born on September 28, 1955. She was the first child born to the union of the late William and Georgia Taylor in Brandon, Mississippi. Dorothy, affectionately known as "Lil Dorothy, resided in the Brandon and Johns community all her life. Dorothy attended school in Rankin County at Carter High School, but due to integration, she moved on to Brandon High School with the class of 1973. Dorothy finished her it grade year at BHS, and went on to further her education at Job Corp, where she earned her GED. Dorothy accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at an early age at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. Through sickness and health, Dorothy served and remained an active and devoted member of True Vine. Dorothy truly loved her church family and would stop at nothing to make her way to the house of the Lord. Through those devoted years, she served as a youth leader, softball coach, member of Sunday School (Class #7), Gospel Choir, Mission, ROC (Retirees on Call), Vacation Bible School teacher, Boy Scouts leader, Couples Ministry, Hospitality Ministry and served in any capacity she was able. Dorothy maintained her faithfulness to her church, family, and community beyond the failing of her health, but did so up until she was called home to be with the Lord. On July 16, 1977, Dorothy was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life Wilbert Willis. At that time, Dorothy was already the proud mom of Cornelius and Leptric, and to this union, her baby boy William was born. She was truly a "BOY MOM° and a mother figure to many. Dorothy and Wilbert were married for 45 vears. For them both, these were the best of times filled with love, happiness, travel experiences, etc., but most importantly their relationship was the true definition of their marriage vows reflecting "in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death." Dorothy was known for her sweet smile and caring personality. She was crafty, outgoing, loved to cook, going to Cruising the Coast, and spending time with her family, especially her six sisters. Dorothy was a part of a close-knit sister circle of her sisters and cousins that have now lost a precious jewel from their crown. She was a great confidant and friend. Dorothy was previously employed as a nursery attendant at Women's Hospital for many years. She also was employed with Rival Manufacturing Co., in Flowood, MS. It was there that she met her love, Wilbert. On Saturday, March 18, 2023, God dispersed his angels, instructing them to bring Dorothy to her heavenly home. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Willis; her father, William Taylor, St.; her mother, Georgia Taylor Bilbro; three sisters, Ruth Floyd, Ella Jean Macklin, and Margaret Boone; five brothers, William Taylor, Jr., Samuel Taylor, Winston Taylor, Willie Earl Taylor, and John Wesley Taylor; and one son, Leptric Taylor. Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory two sons: Cornelius (Christina) Taylor and William (China) Willis; six sisters: Barbara McKce, Jimmie (Lossie) O'Neal, Betty Taylor, Mary Ann Taylor, and Dianne (Sylvester) Burton, all of Brandon, MS, and Alice (Joe) Norris of Las Vegas, NV, one brother: Clarence (Lestine) Taylor of Arlington, TX; seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Maci, Cornelius Jr., Katelynn, Cameron, Aleshia, and Chris; three great-grandchildren: Evelynn, Christynn, and Carmynn, one uncle Richard Spann of Brandon, MS; six brothers-in-laws, Stanley (Kay) Willis, Willie Ray (Patricia) Willis, John Lee (Elmira) Willis, Wallace Willis, Cirde (Shelia) Willis, and Thomas Jean (Rence) Willis; best friend, Lou Vatta Myers; god- daughter Miranda Florence, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many others who loved her dearly.

Mrs. Dorothy Marie Willis

September 28, 1955 - March 18, 2023