Dollie Ruth (Brackens) Willis was born on March 31, 1937 in Fairfield, Texas. She is the daughter of Esker and Hortense Brackens. After graduating from Dogan High School, she moved to Dallas, Texas and lived with her oldest sister named Dorothy Weaver for some time and then lived with Delores Brackens. She worked at Baylor Hospital as a dietary aide until she got married to Joe Willis in 1972.

She was also a member of Sweet Fellowship COGIC Family Center. For years, she served as the primary teacher for Young People Willing Workers and was also an usher. She was also known as a "Prayer Warrior" to many. To many people, she was viewed as a gentle and sweet person. However, when touched by the holy spirit she was very vocal and bold. At home, she loved her family and always had a sense of humor. She was very serious when it came to her faith in God and displayed a prayer life before her kids at home. Although she was a praying woman, she would never fail to redirect her kids in a minute if they were to get out of line.

She also was a devoted wife. After getting married to Joe Willis (still alive), she became a stay at home wife and mother. When Joe got up for work at 5a.m. she would get up and make his breakfast and lunch. She also ran a daycare business for ten years. She would take care of her clients' children like they were her own. She also even developed a close relationship with some of the single mothers and became like a spiritual mother to them.

Those Dollie leaves behind includes her six children: Andrea Willis, Angela Willis, Joe Willis Jr, Cassandra Willis, Susan Willis, and Kelvin Willis. Grandchildren: Evan Alexander, Crystal Willis, Levar Gray, Michaela Willis, Megan Willis, Emerald Barnes, and Malaika Shaw. She also leaves behind her siblings: Dorothy Brackens Weaver, Dessie Brackens, Donald Brackens, and Robert Brackens. Siblings who preceded her in death include: Billy G. Brackens, Delores Brackens, Doris Brackens, Theater and Dimple Brackens