Willie "Ella" Mason

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved family matriarch, Willie (Ella) Mason. Ella was a source of unwavering love and a guiding light for our family. She was always there to provide a listening ear, strengthening prayer, warm hug, and loving smile. She taught us the power of family, the strength found in faith, and the beauty of unconditional love and acceptance.

Ella’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, nieces and nephew, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all those who were blessed enough to have known her. Her love will continue to surround us and shape our lives for generations to come.

In addition to her family, Ella found great joy in cuddling with her grandchildren, reading and writing in the warmth of the sun, sitting among her family’s gardens, and diving into scripture. She found peace and enjoyment in cooking alongside loved ones, listening to gospel music, creating art, crafting, watching detective shows, and companionship with her pets.

She is survived by two sisters: Frankie Turner of Knoxville, IL, and Elizabeth (Del) Porter of Peoria, IL. Her legacy continues through five children: Debra Branch of Peoria, IL; Lenette (Bernard) Barth of Dunlap, IL; Darlene (Chris) Polk of Stone Mountain, GA; Yvette (Tiwatha “Ti”) Mason of Atlanta, GA; and Gus (Joy) Mason of Peoria, IL. She also leaves behind one nephew, Bryan Turner of Las Vegas, NV; and two nieces, Teresa Porter and Jewel Porter, both of Peoria, IL. She was blessed with sixteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Gus Mason, Sr.; her daughter, Sandra Mason; her granddaughter, Rachel Polk; her grandson, Demarco Mason; and her great-nephew Gerrick Porter.

All who knew and loved her are invited to celebrate her life and legacy at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N University St, Peoria, IL 61604. Visitation will be Monday, April 28, 2025, from 5–7 PM. A farewell service will be held Tuesday, April 29, at 10 AM. Ella will be laid to rest at Springdale Cemetery, 3014 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 immediately following the service.

In honor of Ella’s love for animals, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Pets for Seniors (https://petsforseniors.org/) and Pet Pack Rescue (https://www.petpackrescueinitiative.com/). Supporting these organizations is a beautiful way to celebrate the compassion and kindness she brought into the world.

Words of Comfort can be shared with the family at www.Davison-Fulton.com.