Laquetta Irene Willis

Laquetta Willis was born September 7, 1930 in Coleman, Texas, where her mother and father were working as itinerate workers in the cotton fields. This was the depression era. Most of her childhood years were spent living with her maternal grandparents outside of Biloxi, MS on a farm. She would see her mother on school breaks, as she was still working all over Texas. She graduated from Southpark high school in Beaumont, TX. She and her mother moved to Dallas immediately after her graduation. This is where she met the love of her life, John. She was working at Retail Credit as an office worker, when John came in, fresh out of college, to apply for a job. She always says that she told her boss that he had to hire him because he was the one she was going to marry, and he did. It was love at first sight. They were married a year later, on August 19, 1950.

Laquetta and her loving husband, John of almost 75 years, were married at First Baptist Church in Irving. Laquetta was a member of the church for 77 years at her death. John joined after their marriage. She was a leader at First Baptist, heading committees and serving on them. Servant leadership was always displayed throughout her life. As a young mother, she taught Sunday School to 12 year old girls. Her devotion to Evergreen, a monthly senior program, was borne out of her attendance with her mother, Idalzy for many years. Laquetta took over leadership of Evergreen, booking guests, writing jokes, and creating a place for people to feed their bodies and their souls with the other members of the body of Christ at First Baptist. It was a beloved monthly testimony of her dedication to serve others.

Laquetta lived her life to the fullest, with enthusiasm that we can only hope to attain. Her capacity to love and support others was shown through her dedication to notes and cards to those who she thought needed an uplift This is one of the many ways that she lived her faith. For over a decade she got up in the middle of the night to send out her "Good Morning" devotional emails to a group of more that 100 recipients, because it needed to be the first thing seen each morning. Six years ago, Laquetta's granddaughter, Molly, compiled her chosen devotions for a year to publish in her Good Morning, Luv Me book, which has been enjoyed by almost as many people as her original email group. Her grandson, Josh, contributed original drawings for the book as well. Countless hours were spent preparing each daily devotional. She had dozens of reference books and consulted often with her pastor and others. This was a calling for her and she was really good at it. She was overwhelmed by the presentation of her published, hardbound, book. She was an avid reader and this was special to her.

No challenge was ever too large for her to tackle and accomplish. When the first YMCA was built in Irving, Laquetta had distinct ideas as to what should be offered to families and as a result, became the first woman to serve on the board of the YMCA. She was also always involved in every school her children attended, serving as PTA president, city council PTA president and always participating fully in fundraisers and special events. All of this occurred as she was working and then managing Peck's Office Supply in Plymouth Park.

As an avid reader, Laquetta, submerged herself into the characters and settings in her books. This led to a strong desire to travel and see the places she'd only read about. Once, the kids were gone, she had retired, and John was nearing retirement they were able to act on that desire. Until they physically could not travel anymore, they went everywhere. They covered all seven continents, all state capitals in the US and all Canadian provinces, every National Park, and all Presidential Libraries. It is unheard of! They travelled by car, train, plane, ship, and bus, exploring on their own and with travel groups. It was everything she had dreamed of and more. She was never disappointed by a trip.

Laquetta was preceded in death by her mother, Idalzy Yates, her husband, John, and her son-in-law, Joel Polum. She is survived by her three children, Pam Meredith (Hayden), Mike Willis (Joel), Sherry Burch, (Doug); three grandchildren, Joshua Burch (Amy), Molly Meredith, Zachary Burch (Ben); great-granddaughter, Sadie Meredith. She is also survived by her half-sisters, Darlene and Bonita.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Fund at the First Baptist Church, Irving, noting that it is in memorial to Laquetta Willis. Checks can be sent to First Baptist Church at 403 South Main St., Irving, TX 75060, with the notation of Youth Summer Camp. 972-253-1171. It is also available to go on the church website as a one-time love gift, also noting above. https://firstirving.org/