Medora E. Willis

Medora Kennon Willis was born August 17, 1929 in Waelder, Texas on her parent's 28-acre farm. She was the eldest daughter of the late Thomas and Edna Henry Kennon. She accepted Christ at an early age in Waelder, Texas. In May 1961 Mr. & Mrs. Alonzia Willis and their children united with the St. Paul Baptist church under the leadership of the late Rev. Z. H. Ranney who was succeeded by the late Rev. S. H. Bedford. Medora was a faithful member for over fifty years where she served in the church choir and Sunday school ministries. Medora was well known for her warm smile, delicious southern cooking, and delectable desserts. She was an exceptional seamstress making clothes for her children and quilts for family and friends. Family was her priority, she spent many years as a homemaker raising her ten children. When her children were all school age, Medora began working as a nursing assistant. Her love for children was evident while she labored in the newborn nursery unit for over twenty years at the Methodist hospital. Medora Willis departed this life on Monday, February 15, 2016 to live eternally with our Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Alonzia Willis Sr., two sons Alonzia Willis Jr., and Clifford W. Willis; seven brothers and her youngest sister. Medora's memory will be cherished by her eight children. Seven daughters: Shirley (Cecil) Thomas, of Houston, TX; Crystal (Rembert) Willis-Allen of Bowie, MD; Jacqueline Black of San Diego, CA; Lynda Haley of San Antonio, TX; Celestine Perry of Dunn, NC; Miranda (Clyde) Barton, of San Antonio, TX; Latressa Willis of San Antonio, TX, and one son Chad Willis of San Antonio, TX. Two siblings remain. One sister Fay Kennon of Washington, DC; one brother Vance Kennon of San Antonio, TX; and one sister-in-law Frances Kennon of San Antonio, TX. Fifteen grandchildren Orlesia Tucker; Alicia Colby; Lataya Hawkins; Catrina Vera; Tina Vance; Lauren Stone; Kimberly Johnson; Roberto Black Jr.; Jasmine Griffith; Warren Haley Jr.; Chloe Barton; Iris Perry; Patrick Barton; Simone McLean and Tiffany Otis. Medora's legacy will also be cherished by her fifteen great grandchildren, a hosts of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins, and friends.