Mrs. Nadine Jo Willis

“…and a time to die.” Ecclesiastes: 3-2

God in His infinite wisdom, called Nadine from labor to reward on

“…When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child…” I Corinthians 13:11

Nadine received her formal education at Walker High School in Magnolia, Arkansas. As a child she united with the New Zion Baptist Church and was baptized into The Body of Christ.

“…and when I became a woman, I put away childish things…” I Corinthians 13:11

In 1954 she met the love of her life, John A. Willis, Jr., and they were married a year later. They enjoyed sixty-two years of marital bliss. They were blessed with two awesome sons, Keith Jerome and Kirk Dion. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Pine Bluff A. M. & N. University in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Her desire to further her education led her to earn a Masters of Education Degree from Prairie View A & M University, in Prairie View Texas. Nadine taught in several school districts including Star City, Arkansas and Hayti, Missouri and the Dallas Independent School District.

Mrs. Willis taught at John Neely Bryan Elementary School, Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School and J. N. Ervin Elementary/Junior High School.

As a teacher at these schools, she touched many, many lives. The evidence of her caring for and nurturing her countless students shows even today by the number of former students who have kept in touch with her throughout her retirement. Nadine retired from the Dallas Independent School District in May 1993.

“…that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” John 3:15

Upon moving to Dallas, Nadine united with the Mount Tabor Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Floyd D. Harris. She served diligently and untiringly for over fifty years with all ministries in which she was involved; including but not limited to ushers, deaconess, Sunday School and the condolence ministry.

She was a member of The Order of The Eastern Star, The Court of Calanthians #52, The Improved Benevolent Order of ELKS of the World, Lunar Temple #1210 where she served as Daughter Ruler. She also served as the State Directress of Education for The Texas State Association of Elks. As a Daughter of the Elks, Nadine received the highest honor that a member could receive that of Past Grand Daughter Ruler. She was also a member of the National Council of Negro Women, National Retired Teachers Association – Dallas Chapter, and for many years a member of Classroom Teachers of Dallas.

“…I will not leave you comfortless…” John 14:8

Nadine will forever be remembered by her family and friends who loved and cherished her dearly. These memories will be revered by her caring, loving and devoted husband John A. Willis, Jr., her children Keith Jerome (Latricia) Willis, and Kirk Dion (Shauna) Willis, ESQ, grandchildren McKinley (Sweetie), Malcolm, Jordan, Kira, and Kirk John. She is also survived by a sister-in-law LaDell Willis of Pine Bluff, Arkansas nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A very special thanks to a very dedicated medical staff, including Dr. Katherine Little, M. D., Faith Presbyterian Hospice, nurses Kingsley Njinda and Felicia Glover, Griswold Home Care, Kamilah Henderson, Ms. Betty Potts, and others, and her very dear and special friends, Nellie Howard Jordan and Alfia Davis White who supported her family with their untiringly dedication during Nadine’s transition.