Urcelle Louise Carter Willis

XENIA — Urcelle Louise Carter Willis, 94, of Xenia, Ohio passed away Monday, January 29, 2024. Her husband, Herbert H. Willis, preceded her in death December 14, 1993. They were married on December 28, 1970. She was born July 26, 1929 in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio, daughter of the late Henry Simpson Carter and Dorothy Iona Redman Carter. Urcelle was the Valedictorian and a 1947 graduate of Kingman High School. She received her bachelor's degree from Wilmington College and her Master of Arts from The Ohio State University. Urcelle also received additional education from Columbia University, Northwestern University, and the University of Dayton. Urcelle was a Professor Emeritus at Central State University. She began her career there as an assistant professor in 1960. She was the chair of Business Education from 1974 – 1990. She served as the Acting Dean of Central State University from January 1981 until June 1982. She later served on the College of Business Advisory Council. In 1983 she received the first O'Neill Swanson Teaching Award. She served on the Kingman High School and Wilmington College Alumni Boards. She was a member of Delta Pi Epsilon at The Ohio State University and the first African American member of the Hospital Care Corporation. She was an Alumna member of The Links, Inc. and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for over 50 years. She is survived by her cousins, Margo and Duke Woodard, Jesse and Vicky Weaver, Phala Weaver, Bob Cooper, Soundra Weaver, Angela Dews, Robert Dews, Charles Dews, and Denise Dews Copeland; as well as a host of longtime friends. In addition to her husband and parents, two cousins, C. Hope Cooper and Charlie Weaver, are preceded in death. The family would especially like to thank Bobby Terri, David Graham, and Skyla Raden for their support over the years. According to Urcelle's wishes, a graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Massie Creek Cemetery in Greene County, Ohio. A celebration of Urcelle's life will be held later. Contributions in Urcelle's memory may be made to Harveysburg Community Historical Society. Contributions should be made payable to the Warren County Foundation with Urcelle's name in the memo and mailed to P.O. Box 495, Lebanon, Ohio 45036. Smith Funeral Home in Wilmington is serving the family. For more information or to leave a note of condolence visit www.smithandsonfuneralhomes.com.