Willie Ann Calvert

Willie Ann Cole Calvert was born July 04, 1942 in Kemper County, Mississippi to Juanita Germany and Willie Albert Cole who both preceded her in death. From a young age, Willie Ann was a loving child with a spirited, tomboy personality that followed her throughout life. She accepted the Lord at an early age at Center Ridge Methodist Church, attended Little Rock Elementary School and later graduated from Whisenton High School. She remained proud of the foundation given to her by her community and family.

In 1960, after high school, Willie Ann married the love of her life, Arthur Calvert Sr., of Neshoba County, Mississippi. Their union was blessed with two children, Charlotte Ann and Arthur Lee. The family relocated to California in 1964.

Willie Ann worked faithfully in retail for 32 years, bringing dedication, kindness, and a warm smile to everyone she served. Outside of work, she loved to travel and was a devoted sports fan—especially when it came to baseball and basketball. She cherished watching her sons play professional baseball and delighted in attending their spring training sessions.

Her love for sports eventually led her to the game that captured her heart completely—golf. After retiring, Willie Ann took up the sport and never looked back. She traveled to golf destinations in her motor home, embracing both the journey and the game. She spent much of her time at National City Golf Course, where she became a familiar and beloved presence. Willie Ann belonged to numerous women’s golf clubs, often competing alongside her sister, Clara Walker. Golf wasn’t just a sport for her—it was a reflection of her joy, discipline, and zest for life. Truly, her life was a beautiful game of golf.

She was preceded in death by her sister Yvonne Mack, her brother Keith Yizar, her godson Tony Gwynn, and her beloved granddaughter Charlea Smith.

Willie Ann leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 66 years, Arthur Calvert Sr., her children Charlotte Calvert (Carlos Stance), Arthur Calvert Jr., Addie Jackson (Andre), Lorri Taylor, Cynthia Jordan (Carlton), Cheryle Bridges (Gerald), and Alicia Gwynn; her cherished grandchildren Charlyne, Aiden (Seda), Lia, Jordan, Jadah, Alysha (Patrick), Christopher, Jazmin, Anthony Jr. (Alyse), Anisha (Kennard), her siblings Juanita Sharlmaine Thompson (Solomon), Paul Daniel Yizar (Beverly), Robert Gaylord Yizar (Andrea), Daymon Scott Yizar (Onolder) and a host of loving great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who brought her endless joy.

Above all, Willie Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her love was constant, her spirit unwavering, and her warmth unforgettable.