Lena Bernice Willis

Lena Bernice Willis was born on November 15, 1936 to the late Katie Earl Estell Willis and John Willis, Sr. in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lena was the 9th child out of 14 children: Dorsey, Henry, John Jr. Mary, Robert, Rollins, Sara, Paul, George, Herschel, Rosaline, Danny and a still-born sibling. Lena departed this life on February 3, 2026.

Lena loved attending church and at an early age she joined Trinity Baptist Church. She was a devoted church member attending Sunday School, attending Spiritual Growth Sessions, involved with many church activities and a faithful member on the Usher Board. Lena left Trinity Baptist Church and became a member of New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in 2007 where many of her relatives are members. She continued to be stead-fast in her faith serving the Lord.

Lena grew up in Madisonville, completing Oakley Alternative School. She was widely known as the family and community babysitter. Lena was also an entrepreneur, selling the Jet Magazines and the Herald Newspapers. Lena loved to play board games and the card game Tonk. With the onset of health challenges, Lena moved to Saint Paul Village. She was involved in a wide range of daily activities and spending time telling the Saint Paul Village tenants about Jesus. She was well known.

Lena is survived by: her brother, Herschel; her sister, Roseline Jones (Lamonte - deceased); her special great niece and caregiver, Cynetta Willis, who has been like a daughter to her; and a host of family and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

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