Wilhelmena Willis

Wilhelmena Anita Barnes, affectionately known as "Mena," peacefully departed this life at the age of 78. Born on July 14, 1947, to Hattie and Garnett Barnes at Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, Mena spent a life filled with love, service, and dedication to family and community.

She was educated in the Philadelphia public school system at Dunbar Elementary, Cooke middle school and graduated from Olney High School in 1965. Driven and determined, she went on to earn her associate degree from Community College of Philadelphia and later achieved her Bachelor's degree from Temple University.

Mena's life journey was one marked by love and family. She met William Davis, and from their union came her first child, Denise Barnes Wright. Later, she met John Willis, and together they welcomed her second child, Darnell Barnes. In 1982, Mena and John were united in an intimate ceremony, beginning a marriage full of partnership, love, and faithfulness that lasted until John's passing in 2014.

Mena dedicated her life to service. She began her career at the Internal Revenue Service before turning her heart toward advocacy, working with the disabled at United Cerebral Palsy. Her commitment to uplifting others led her to the Department of Recreation at Lonnie Young Recreation Center in Germantown, where she mentored and supported youth in the community she loved.

On June 25, 1985 Mena joined the Philadelphia Police Department, class 264 where she served with integrity and compassion. Her first assignment in November of 1985 was in the 22nd district. In September of 1989 Mena transitioned into the narcotics department. From there her service to youth mindset directed her to run a police athletic center in West Oak Lane. Her dedication and strength led her to become a Detective in the Juvenile Division of West Detectives, where she fought for justice and served the city with distinction. Detective Willis officially retired January 6, 2006 leaving behind a legacy of strength, fairness, and compassion.

Retirement did not slow Mena down. She shifted her focus to her family-most notably her grandchildren, each of whom she lovingly cared for during their first year of life. True to her word, she gave up her cherished Salem cigarettes when she became a grandmother-a testament to her commitment and deep love for family. At one point, she lovingly juggled the care of two grandchildren while also caring for her own mother.

Mena had a rich life full of warmth and joy. She adored plants (even if she wasn't the outdoors type), loved to dance-especially the bop-and had an infectious energy that brought people together. She enjoyed bowling, sipping tea, and treating herself to a Hershey bar or slice of cake. She found simple joy in baking, collecting clocks, and enjoying long conversations with family and friends. Mena's warmth transcended age, race, and background-she loved people for who they were and made everyone feel welcome in her presence.

She was the heart of her family and a pillar of her community.

Mena is preceded in death by her beloved husband John Willis and her brother Jerry Barnes. She is survived by her loving siblings Melvin, Charles, Arlene, Rosalind, and Reggie; her devoted children Denise Barnes Wright and Darnell Barnes; her son-in-law Marvin Wright and daughter-in-law Khamila Barnes; sister in Laws Easter and Delores and Brother in Law Reggie and her cherished grandchildren Makaela, Dillon, Maya, Keyah, Jordyn, and Elijah.

Wilhelmena Anita Barnes leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, and strength. Her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched, and her memory will forever be a blessing.

Relatives and friends are invited to Wilhelmena's viewing on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 8:00 AM until her Funeral Service at 10:00 AM at Salem Baptist Church of Abington, 2741 Woodland Rd, Abington, PA 19001. Her interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Roslyn, PA.