Motherly Reflections

Allie Bess (Alice Bess) Willis was born on Tuesday, February 18, 1936, to the parents of Alfred D. Mosley and Alice Bess Perkins-Mosley in Wortham, TX. Alice was one of six children born to this union. Each of her siblings preceded her in death, Edward Mosley Sr., Delorce Mosley, Samuel Mosley, Majorie Mosley-Hawkins, and Lillie Ruth Mosley-Johnson.

Alice graduated from Dunbar H.S. Ferris, TX. In 1954 married Felix Howard Willis and to this union four children were born. Rogeana S. Walker (Jimmy), Gregory Willis (preceded her in death) (Gina), Reginald Willis, Sr. (Tara), and Howard Willis (preceded her in death). Alice began her professional career as a homemaker, transitioning into retail work for Sears catalog on Lamar St. Alice went on to Lerner'sclothing store, working her way up from cashier to a managerial position within the Lerner's chain store. This part of her career provided her with the skills which began her career path into property management until her retirement.

Alice began her spiritual journey at an early age by being baptized in her youth in Ferris TX. As sheprogressed in her spiritual walk Alice moved to Dallas, TX as a young wife and mother and joined in membership to the St. John Primitive Baptist Church under Elder F. L. Livingston, Pastor. During this time, she served faithfully on St. John's Usher Board Ministry, Missionary Ministry, and the Mother's Board where she also served as its President and leader. Mother Willis was also instrumental in helping to organize the True Love Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Mack Sargent, Dallas, TX.

Mother Willis would later return to seek fellowship with the home church of her youth Greater Mt. Rose Primitive Baptist Church, Elder Albert Snell, Pastor. Mother Willis was an active participant in her local, state, and national conventions during her time of service, and continued to do so until health began to fail. Greater Mount Rose Primitive Baptist church and her church family held both a special and unique love within Mother Willis' heart.

Mother Willis' hobbies would include traveling to conventions with her church, traveling on family vacations, playing bingo, crossword puzzles, Uno, Bid Whist, and planning family reunions and get togethers. Alice is survived by her daughter, and son (Rogeana, Reginald) 8 grandchildren Rewa Halton, Reshuna' Walker, Gregory R. Willis, Tabitha Willis, Darrell Davis, Sade' D. Willis, Richard S. Bullorck,Reginald Willis, Jr., 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson a special niece Cathy Ruth Bailey, 2 special church friends Mother Dorothy Barnes, Sis. Lena Strand, and a host of special cousins, nephews, nieces and friends that time and space will not allow to print but were all very dear to Mother Willis. She was a friend's friend!