Mildred Willis, also known as “Momma Tina” to many, departed peacefully on April 19, 2020. Born in Urbancrest, Ohio on April 1, 1930 to the late Silas Willis and Bells Willis. She was one of nine children. She was married to the late William Horsley in Columbus, Ohio.
She was a homemaker and cook. She moved from Columbus, Ohio to Providence, in 1970 to live with her son. She worked and retired from the Biltmore Hotel in Providence as a housekeeper. She absolutely loved working there. She went above and beyond to take care of guests. A highlight for her was when the celebrities that frequently visited the hotel would ask for her by her name.
Mildred’s birthday was always a celebration full of family and friends, with Barry White always being played, her favorite musical artist. Over the years Mildred went from “Tina” to “Momma Tina” in reverence from the young people who loved and appreciated her. Momma Tina made her home their home. She had a tender part in her heart for single mothers. She called them her “daughters” and their children her babies. She was an angel to many.
In 1987 she moved to Fort Lewis, Washington to help her daughter with her children. She was afforded all military dependent benefits. In 1989 she moved to Fort Clayton, Panama with her daughter and grandchildren. She loved it there. In 1991 she returned to Providence and started her retirement. She resided in Colony House Apartments where she was loved by all.
Momma Tina’s lifelong dream was to write a book about her life. She left notes and letters. Through the years she used to tell her daughter and sons stories about her life. Momma Tina was a strong black woman. Someday her notes will be published in a book to honor her.
December 2017, as her daughter held her hand, anointed her head with oil and prayed, she accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into her life. She continued to self-reflect and learn about the Lord through sermons on television faithfully every Sunday.
Momma Tina made photo collages of her family and friends that decorated her walls. She stated, “ Looking at the pictures kept her loved ones close to her heart.”
God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so he closed your weary eyelids and whispered, “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Momma Tina leaves to mourn 5 children, William Horsley III also known as Bill (Providence), James Horsley ( Woonsocket), Fredrick Horsley also known as Freddy (deceased) (Columbus, Ohio), Marvin Horsley ( Providence), and Caron Scott ( Norristown, PA.)
Special Loving Daughter-in-law Helen Perry, Daughter-in-laws Jonie Spearman and Crystal Lee. Grandchildren Eric Horsley, Johnathan Horsley, Ronald Evora, Jamie Cherry, Akina Cherry, Falon Gabbidon, Letequa Gabbidon, Marvin Horsley Jr. also known as “Little Marvin”, Makiesha Horsley, Katrina Horsley, John Passmore Jr., Calvin Okunoye, David Okunoye, Leah Okunoye, Charles Scott, Joseph Spearman also known as ( Jae Jae), Tiffany Spearman, Tia Spearman,
Great Grandchildren Eric Horsley Jr., Jala Cherry, Jasonte Cherry, Jose Pineda, Gia Spearman, and Ahyna Spearman;
Special niece Karen Jones (Columbus, Ohio) and a host of nieces and nephews.
Special Family Sis. Cheryl Robinson-Roberts, Helene Cherry-Gabbidon, Joe Sykes also known as (Little Joe), Angela Kelly, and Brenda Lee Bradford.
Special Nephews Richard Whiteside and Family (Columbus, Ohio), Eric Jones (Columbus, Ohio), Steven Jones (Columbus, Ohio)Junior Blunt (Columbus, Ohio)
Special Nieces Christina Jones (Columbus, Ohio), Mary Louise Horsley (Columbus Ohio), Elizabeth Horsley (Columbus, Ohio),Alice Blunt (Switzerland)
Blunt Family, Horsley Family, Whiteside Family (Columbus, Ohio).
Special Sister-n Law the late Francis Blunt and Special nephew, the late Michael Jones deceased.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings.
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