Johnnie Pearl Willis

Culminating an extended period of declining health, the mortal life of Johnnie Pearl Willis slipped into a peaceful eternal rest on December 24, 2023, at her home in Hope, Arkansas.

Johnnie P. Willis, affectionately known as “Ma”, “JP”, and “Granny”, was born on September 21, 1927, to the late John Allen and Pearl Willis. She was the eldest of seven children. Johnnie lived ninety-six years, three months, and two days. She was reared and educated in Blevins (Hempstead County), Arkansas. Johnnie worked in the poultry industry and as a domesticated homemaker for many years. 

Johnnie P. Willis confessed and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a member of Greenhill African Methodist Episcopal Church in Prescott, Arkansas. As Johnnie’s health began to fail, she would oftentimes tune in to the “In Touch” ministry broadcast with Dr. Charles Stanley on Sundays. She loved good preaching and good quartet gospel music. Johnnie loved the Lord and served Him until her death.

Johnnie P. Willis lived by the Golden Rule, “Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You”. She was a virtuous woman of impeccable wisdom, character, courage, and strength! Her word was her bond. If she told you that she was going to do something you could count on her to do it! She said what she meant and meant what she said! Her memory recall was phenomenal. Her historian capabilities were second to none. She was also very comedic and entertaining. Some of the stories and jokes she would tell would literally have you crying and gasping for air as they were so funny. Johnnie loved everyone and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Johnnie P. Willis was preceded in death by her parents: John Allen (1965) and Pearl Willis (1945); sons: John Willis (1996) and Terry Willis (1986); sisters: Callie Strong, Esther James (2010), and Wonda Osborn (2010); brother: Chauncy Willis (2010); grandson: Damien Willis (1997); granddaughter: Danielle Dawkins (2019) great granddaughter: Lashunda Pugh (2020),  nieces:, Mary James (2003) and May Carthans (2021), sister-n-law: Aristeene Willis (2012), and brother-n-law: Clifton James (2008).

Those who are grateful to share many treasured memories are two sons: David (Jane) Willis and Jerry Willis; four daughters: Gwendolyn McGill, Bonita Dawkins, Sherri (James) King, and Sonya Willis; extended family children: Douglas Knox, Sr. and Karon Knox; one brother: William Willis; two sisters: Imogene (J.C.) McDaniel and Mildred Niles; sixteen grandchildren: George Pugh II, Nakia Pugh, John Pugh, Georgiana Pugh Jones, Patricia Pugh Qualls, Al Willis, Andrada Dawkins, Tasha Willis, Jeanetta Nkulu, Andre King, Solomon King, Jerrell Willis, Jasmine Willis, DaNiya Willis,  Ti’Lia Baxter, and R’Meilah Harvey; forty-five great grandchildren:  George Pugh III, D’Anfernee Pugh, DeShawn Pugh, Aviante Shoemaker, Gabriel Pugh, Gia Pugh, Sheledia Pugh, Zaji Pugh, Nykeyab Pugh, Tay Anfield, Amaria Pugh, John Pugh, Jahna Pugh, MyTrevious Vaughn, Melanie Mann, Tiara Dawkins, Madisyn Pugh, Shon Pugh, Javon Pugh, Shane Bender, Shamond Jones II, Markeyla Cross, Saleem McDaniel, Carnesha Joyner, Carlesha Mitchell, Aaliyah McDaniel, Jkayla Qualls, DeVondre Willis, Christopher McCune, Christina Willis, Sasha McCune, Totianna McCune, Christian Willis, Prince Willis, Atavin Dawkins, Almani Dawkins, Andrea Dawkins, David Nkula, Genea Nkula, Jolitta Nkula, Joella Nkula, Andre King II, Chase King, Tatum Tucker, Rylee Tucker; thirty-three great great grandchildren: Khamarion Pugh, Kasheon Pugh, Amir Shoemaker, Akari Shoemaker, Ayden Norman, Alijah Norman, McKenzie Bass, Myonni Wash, Arianna McCullum, Ezariah Anfield, Savanna Anfield, Marsean Redmond, Mykel Redmond, Tylan Vaughn, Nahkti Pruitt, LaKayla Smith, Za’Marrea Pugh, Jalaya Pugh, Isaiah Robinson, Blake Pugh, Josiah Pugh, Frotte Bender, Jaxon Bender, Liberty Crosshabeyeh, Luna Crosshabeyeh, A’riyona Liggon, Aaron Liggon II, K’hayrie Anderson, K’harie Anderson, Timothy Conley, Khalil Nance, Syncere Scott, and Sienna Jones; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

* If any name(s) were omitted, please forgive us and know that it was unintentional.

Johnnie P. Willis' Homegoing Celebration Service will be held at 11:00 A. M., on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Brandon's Mortuary in Hope, Arkansas. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 4:00 - 6:00 P. M. Her earthly body will be laid to rest at Elizabeth Cemetery in Blevins, Arkansas.

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