Willa Lee

Willa was born on January 8, 1948 in Hurtsboro, Alabama to Johnnie Borom-Flournoy and Eddie Borom, both of whom preceded her in death. She and her family later moved to Gary, IN during the Great Migration period to obtain a better and safe living. In 1966, she graduated from Calumet High School, marrying the love of her life, Edward Lee Sr. afterwards. Throughout her time with us, Willa was dedicated to helping and protecting others. After her brief tenure with US Steel, she became a police officer with the Gary Police Department. After leaving the force, she entered the education sector as a substitute teacher for Lake Ridge and Black Oak Elementary Schools. During the 90s, she returned to law enforcement as a case manager, working at the PACT Bradley Center in Michigan City until 1997. Into the 2000s, she became a senior level case manager, leading a small team of case managers through the Lake County Association for the Retarded (now called "The Arc"). In 2002, Willa announced her official retirement from the workforce.

During her career tenure, Willa believed in reaching for better opportunities. With that mindset, she graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2000, obtaining her Bachelors in Criminal Justice. When not working or making a difference in others' lives, she enjoyed several past times and hobbies along with spending time with her family. She was an avid bowler, with over 28 years of league experience at Olympia Lanes in Hammond, IN. She enjoyed traveling and road trips, traveling around the Midwest during the summertime. She also had a love for jewelry and fashion, receiving the nickname "Beautiful Willa".

This warrior with wings was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lee Sr; parents Johnnie Borom-Flournoy, Eddie Borom, and Samuel Flournoy; daughters JoAnita Lee and Juanita Brown-Lee; son Edward Lee Jr; sister Rosie Isaac; brother Paris Borom; niece Tonya Pipkin; and a host of other dearly departed relatives.

Willa is survived by her loving daughters: JoKeisha (Deon) Lee-Moore of Indianapolis, Arlinda (Kay) Stroud and Ann Marie Jackson both of Gary; grandchildren: JoAniqua Rosemond of Gary, Ashunte' Lee of Minneapolis, and Shaquille Lee Sr of Texas, Raykeeb Jackson of Gary, and Stacey (Maurice) Johnson of Bunker Hill; great-grandchildren: Shaquille (Jasmine) Lee Jr. of Texas, August and Antoine Lee of Minneapolis, Xavier Rosemond of Gary, and Tatum (Teya) Lee of Indianapolis; brothers Johnnie Borom of Indianapolis and Wallace (Sharon) Borom of Texas; sister Sherif Cobb of Indianapolis; nieces ShyBrinn (Joe) Williams and Shyelle Drayton both of Indianapolis; nephew Marcus Isaac of Texas; cousin Palmyra (Rev. Lawrence) Simpson of Florida; dearest best friends Hattie Kincade of Gary and Latoya (Larry) Belton of Minneapolis; and a host of family and friends.

Viewing will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 12pm-3pm at McDuffie Funeral and Cremations, located at 1525 Broadway Gary, IN 46407. Cremation will take place afterwards. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected]