Lonnie James Willis

Lonnie James Willis was born on February 3, 1953 to L.J. Willis and Bessie Lee Collins in Shreveport, LA. He was the second oldest of three children.

Lonnie attended Moretown Elementary and Bethune High School. He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18 years old. He served from March 7, 1972, receiving an Honorable discharge on September 16, 1974.

During the early 70's Lonnie married Betty Turner and relocated to Camp Pendleton in California. Lonnie fathered two children, Tamika and Antonio. He was later hired by the City of Los Angeles as a Street Maintenance Worker.

The Bible says in Proverbs 18:22, "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." In September 1999 Lonnie met Ms. Alfreda Embry. They married on February 3, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They have shared 13 wonderful years together and brought each other much happiness.

On October 4, 2014 in Moreno Valley, CA Lonnie went home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted and loving wife, Alfreda Embry Willis of Moreno Valley, CA; father L.J. Willis and stepmother Bennie Willis of Shreveport, LA; two sisters Ernestine and Cynthia of Los Angeles, CA; son, Antonio and daughter Tamika; step-son Henry Williams, step-daughter, Victoria Grisby; 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; 2 nephews, 1 niece, 1 great nephew and 1 great niece; a special cousin Ethel Shepard and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his mother Jessie Lee; grandparents Booker T. and Willie Mae.