Debra Willis

Debra Faith Willis was born in Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. She peacefully transitioned from this life at her home at the age of 69. She was the eldest of six children and shared a special bond with an identical twin sister.

A graduate of East High School, Debra went on to further her education at Southern Ohio College in Columbus, Ohio, and received a diploma in Data Entry. Her skills prepared her for a position with the State of Ohio Department of Youth Services as an Executive Secretary for 20 + years.

Debra had a passion for creativity and it was evident in her card making and scrapbooking businesses, Cards on Occasion and Uniquely Yours. Her awesome creativity expanded into event decorating and earned her the honor of becoming the Vice President of Quality Assurance for Designs by Faith Events here in Columbus, Ohio. Her leadership and creative attention to detail left a positive lasting impression on participating event attendants. She also displayed her creative acumen as a Board Member for the nonprofit violence prevention organization, A Brand New Attitude, Inc., where she actively participated in fundraising for community events.

Debra is preceded in death by her parents Ozella Bonner Chapman and Edward Lacey Chapman, Sr., her sister, Edith Chapman, and her beloved sons, Caleb Corinzo Willis, Sr., and Carrington Corey Willis, Sr.

She leaves behind her husband, Christopher Willis, Sr., her children, Le’Earl Chapman, Yalonda Collins (Alonzo), Christopher Willis, Jr., and Calinda Willis, her siblings, twin sister Linda Muhammad, Khadijah Lanai Ashé (Minister Kujenga Eliyah Ashe’), Edward Chapman, Jr. (Allison), and John Chapman. Debra was a proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren and a great-grandmother of 21, and nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, extended family and friends.

Debra Willis’ memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her . We will especially miss her love for cooking for family events. We always couldn’t wait to devour her fabulous macaroni and cheese!