Matilda Willis

LAKELAND -- Ms. Matilda Judy Willis, a private duty certified nursing assistant, died of lung failure Monday (Jan. 26, 2004) at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She was 48. "She followed in her mother's footsteps (as a nursing assistant) and now I'm following in theirs," said her only child, Catherine Lewis of Lakeland. Ms. Willis was the fifth generation of her family born in Lakeland and she lived here all but a few years of her life. She attended Kathleen High School and graduated from Franklin High School in Rochester, N.Y., where she also obtained her degree as a nursing assistant. Ms. Willis worked as a certified nursing assistant nearly 15 years before she left to take care of her mother, who was in failing health. "She loved sewing, playing horse shoes and fishing," Lewis said. Ms. Willis was planning her wedding with her fiance, Kenny Matthews, that was to held this year. She attended Greater Refuge Church of Our Lord and Revival Center Outreach Ministry. In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Willis is survived by her sisters, Bettye Willis and Mary Willis Jones, both of Rochester, N.Y.; brothers, Eddrick Willis, Vero Beach, Charles Willis, Harry Willis Jr. and Curly Willis, all of Lakeland; fiance, Kenny Matthews, Lakeland; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be held this evening from 6 to 8 at H.W. Oldham Funeral Home, Lakeland. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Greater Refuge Church of Our Lord. Burial will be in Laural Hill Cemetery.