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Willa Raspberry Obituary
Willa Mae Tucker Raspberry
Died in her home on January 23, 2015. She reached the remarkable age of 108.
Mrs. Raspberry was born on February 13, 1906 and was just shy of her 109th birthday making her one of the oldest citizens in the state of Indiana. She was born in Monroe County, MS to Winfred Tilghman Tucker and Fannie Ophallon Dilworth Tucker. She married James L. Raspberry and they remained married for 67 years until his death in 1991. She was a graduate of Rust College in Holly Springs, MS and also attended Fisk University in Nashville, TN. Mrs. Raspberry was a librarian and an outstanding educator at Okolona College in Okolona, MS. She and her husband also established and operated the city's first licensed child development center. Mrs. Raspberry was a leader in the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and was a faithful member of St. Bernard Episcopal Church, Okolona, MS. An annual scholarship was established in her name and is given to deserving college students in Mississippi. She moved from her home in Okolona, MS to Indianapolis in 2009 to live with her granddaughter.
Mrs. Raspberry is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Hattye Raspberry Hall (Eugene) of Indianapolis; son and daughter-in-law, David L.G. Raspberry (Cynthia) of Cleveland, OH; sons-in-law Willie Coleman, Okolona, MS and Hilery Ferguson, Ft. Wayne, IN and daughter in-law, Sondra D. Raspberry, Washington, DC. She was the grandmother of 17, the great-grandmother of 30 and great-great-grandmother of many more. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her daughters, Jamesetta 'Jackie' Yvonne Ferguson, Winifred Eunice Coleman and son, William James Raspberry.
The funeral for Mrs. Raspberry will be held at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 720 M.L. King Jr. Street on January 31 at Noon. Prior to the funeral, visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Her interment will be in Okolona, MS.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to CREATE/BabySteps Inc. P.O. Box 1053 Tupelo, MS 38802. BabySteps, Inc. is a non-profit parent empowerment program located in Okolona, MS. that was established by her late son, former Washington Post columnist William Raspberry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willa Raspberry
james griffin md
January 30, 2015
She was a great and loving lady; the world will be less bright because she is no longer here, but she has planted the embers for lights that will go on forever
Cheri and Steve Woods
January 30, 2015
May God's peace and comfort be with you all. Your lovely matriarch, Mrs. Raspberry, will never be forgotten.
Willie Lumpkins
January 30, 2015
May the love, mercy, grace and peace of God continue to strengthen you. Mrs. Raspberry is absent from the body but she is present with the Lord.
Bill Bland
January 29, 2015
Blessings to your family for the life and passing of such an extraordinary lady who leaves an awesome legacy. God Bless us to grasp what our ancestors intended to teach us.
January 29, 2015
May God grant you his peace and comfort in this season of loss.
Debbie Bateman (Houston, TX)
Betty Wells
January 29, 2015
My condolences. A life well lived and one that made a difference. Thank you Shelia G. for sharing.
Phyllis Croom
January 29, 2015
What an wonderfully rich and amazing life lived!! My deepest condolences go out to the Raspberry family near and extended. May Mrs. Raspberry's light and legacy always serve as a reminder of the gifts love, grace, and determination are sure to yield.
Sean & Kristy Dixon
January 28, 2015
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss David and Cynthia…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Williefene Ford
January 28, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michelle Bennett
January 28, 2015
Sorry for your loss.
Shelia Gilliam
January 28, 2015
A beautiful life lived!
Donna Floyd Parker
January 28, 2015
May the peace of God continue to provide His comfort.
William E. Crockett
January 28, 2015
Miss Raspberry was a sweet lady my condolences go out to the family.
Carrie Morris
January 28, 2015
Cheryl:
Our prayers of peace and comfort have been lifted for you and the family. Your grandmother was blessed to have lived such a long life with such a loving family. Love, Mr. & Mrs. A.C. Russell & Family
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