Verstell Willis

Verstell Willis Obituary Verstell Willis passed away after `an acute illness of pneumonia on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Tift Regional Hospital. He was born to Bertha Thomas (née Johnson) and Henry Willis on November 21, 1946. Verstell attended Industrial Elementary School and Wilson High school in Tifton Georgia. He also attended Albany Tech where he majored in mechanical engineering. Verstell loved reading the Bible and doing bible research, fishing, driving... especially cross country, playing the trumpet, baking biscuits, working on Kingdom Hall projects and getting together with family and friends, Verstell dedicated his life and got baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1963. He married his high school sweetheart Barbara Jean Hightower on October 29: 1966. The two became parents to three children during their marriage, Derrick, Darrell and Deirdre while living in Tifton, Georgia. He leaves to mourn him, the following: Barbara J. Willis (née Hightower) his wife. Darell Willis (Trecie) his son of Minot, North Dakota Deirdre Draginoff (Matt), his daughter of Macon, Georgia Grandchildren: Darrell Willis and Terrell Willis of Oakland, Ca. Demari Gilbert (Willis) of Alexandria Louisiana Fabian Mims, Desmond Braxton and Bryce Carter of Minot, North Dakota and Ansha Mims of St. Paul Minneapolis Great grandchildren: Terrell Willis Jr and Lamiyah Willis of Oakland California Amiyah Gilbert (Willis) of Alexandria Louisiana Brother: Donald Iverson (Ameena) of Vallejo, California, Booker T. Willis of Perry Georgia., Eugene Maddox of Fitzgerald Georgia, David Howard of. Sandy Springs, Georgia , Albert Howard (Kathy) of Monroe, North Carolina, Leon Terrell (Sherry) of Charlotte North Carolina Sisters... Joann Y. Smith (James) and Geneva Thomas of Oakland California. Linda Sullivan of Perry Georgia, Brenda McDowell (Tim), and Martha Ann Terrell of Charlotte North Carolina. Sylvia Howard of Cocoa Florida, Gloria Dean Redwine of Miami Florida and Aunt Mildred Heflin of Detroit Michigan Preceding in death is his mother, Bertha Thomas, father Henry Willis, Stepfather Howard P. Thomas, Son Derrick Willis, Brothers James E. Iverson and Howard Maddox Jr. Sisters, Joyce Thomas - Lee and Louise Mortimer. He leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and myriads of friends that will truly miss him. Friends that he met while living in Omega, Tifton, Cartersville & Calhoun Georgia. In addition, the friends he accumulated in Oakland and Vallejo California. There were many of his friends and family that supported Verstell when he needed it the most. Ben Seals one of his best friends for over 60 years. Mency Howard (spiritual son) truly became a companion to Verstell and assisted him in more ways than we can count. His cousin, Tracy Michelle Thomas, used her voice and medical background to get the provisions and attention Verstell needed. Tracy provided not only for Verstell, but for Barbara as well by providing the comfort, resources and guidance needed during this difficult time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Verstell Willis, please visit our floral store. Read More

Verstell Willis

November 21, 1946 - January 17, 2023