Betty Benita Willis

Betty Benita Banks Willis received her wings on December 23, 2020. She was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 1, 1933 to the late Oliver and Eunice Banks. She was married to Deacon Marion E. Willis, Jr. for 60 years and from this union four children were born. Betty began her Christian journey at an early age and joined Shiloh Missionary Church under the leadership of Rev. James H. Burks. She sang in several choirs and played the piano. She was a graduate of East High School; studied at The Ohio State University, Columbus State and Ohio Dominican University. She had the first Black Court Reporting business in the State of Ohio. Some of her cases went all the way to the Supreme Court. Her service to God and community are numerous and varied including: Board of Directors, Mid Ohio Multiple Sclerosis Assoc; Board of Directors, Family Counseling and Crittenden Services; First minority female Chapter Chair of The National Foundation March of Dimes; Governor's Appointment to the Ohio Trade Council; Columbus Chapter National Continental Societies, Inc.; Volunteer for Columbus Public Schools; Board of American Lung Association; Columbus Art Museum; Beaux Arts Auxiliary; President, Shiloh Baptist Church Business & Professional Missionary Society; Coordinator, Church Women United World Day of Prayer; Deaconess Board Secretary; Sunday School Teacher; Chairperson, Women's Day; Co-Chair of first and second Joint Deacon/Deaconess Retreat; Chairperson of Shiloh's Pre-Mother's Day Breakfast; Chairperson of Advent Season Observance; Delegate to the National Baptist Convention USA; Chair, Health Section, Ohio Public Health Association and Chairperson of Communication for the Ohio Church Women United, a non denominational multiracial organization of several thousand, and many more. She leaves to cherish her memory, son, David W. Willis (Melissa); daughter, S. Denise Harris; son, Rev. Marion "Ed" Willis III; daughter, Deborah L. Fenderson; sister, Sylvia Kendricks; brother-in-laws, Leonard Rush, David Willis, William (Bill) Fields & Ed Anderson; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. She is predeceased by husband, Marion E. Willis Jr.; parents, Oliver and Eunice Banks; sister, Doris Fields; brothers, Oliver Banks, Alfred Banks, A. Leon Banks, Robert Banks and Gerald Banks