With hearts of sorrow, The Memorial Funeral Home Staff, request your prayers for the family and friends of Mrs. Almeter Willis.

"Her children arise up and call her blessed."

Proverbs 31:28

Sister Almeter Harris Willis, a woman of grace, class and a servant's heart was born August 3, 1933, to her adorning parents, the late Prentis and Elberta Harris.

Reared in the Forest Grove Community in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, with her siblings Helen, Jessie, Hattie, Faye, Charlie and Luria, she made a decision in her youth to follow Jesus, accepting Him as her Savior. She united with the Forest Grove C.M.E. Church. For many years, she served God and the His people in many facets including: Sunday School teacher, Church Secretary, Stewardess and the founder and director of the Forest Grove Tutoring and Food Bank Feeding Programs. She remained a dedicated member until her health declined.

Almeter attended and graduated from Homer Colored School in 1951 . This was just the beginning. She expanded her wings, continuing her educational journey by attending Grambling State University and obtaining multiple degrees including Bachelor of Art in Education, Master of Education and 30+.

In 1954, she added a new role and title – wife, as she married the late Ray C. Willis in Holy matrimony. To this union, five beautiful daughters were born. Being a mother, watching them blossom into the strong and positive women brought her great joy.

Pineview High School is where her foundation in Christ, her love for helping others grow, her warming maternal nature and education collided. For 33 years, she taught, nurtured and guided the tiny, excited minds of those that had the pleasure of being in her Kindergarten class. The time and compassion she poured into the lives of her students made it evident teaching was not a job, but her calling and assignment from God. She worked tirelessly to ensure no child that entered her class was left behind and had a solid educational foundation as if they were her own children. Though she retired from the classroom in 1998, her work to help bridge the education gap did not stop. Elected as a member of the Claiborne Parish School Board, she stood in the gap for the many children of the parish. She also maintained her relationships with other educators that shared the passion for educating the youth of the area as a member of the Claiborne Parish Retired Teachers' Association and Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.

Retirement was just a word for her, as she did not let it slow her down. Those same graceful hands were used to garden and manicure her other babies, her flowers and lawn as well as cook her family's favorite dishes of dressing and sweet potato pies. She also took time to enjoy shopping, eating her favorites of soul food and collard greens along with spending time with her wonderful family. Her stylish and classy attire were evident she was quite the clothing connoisseur, setting a standard and positive example for young women.

The 89 years God granted her to live, teach and nurture were not wasted, rather used to spread uplift, empower and enhance the lives of others. March 6, 2023, she traded her earthly assignment for her Heavenly reward for the many years of faithful service, joining her husband Ray C. Willis, parents, Prentis and Elberta Harris, siblings: Luria Harris and Helen D. Irby, sisters-In-Law: Lucressie Willis and Lenora Gray and brothers-in-law: John S. Willis, John Lee Willis, Roland Willis and Davis Willis.

The life and legacy of a blessed and phenomenal mother, grandmother, educational warrior and community pillar will continue to soar through the lives of those she impacted, especially her loved ones including her five daughters: Barbara Willis of Concord, NH, Melinda Willis of Minden, LA, Regina Willis and Julie Willis of Homer, LA and Brenda Willis, Atlanta, GA; two grandsons: Cedric (Melanie) Willis of Haughton, LA and Christopher Willis of Homer, LA; two great granddaughters: Cienna and Christian Willis of Haughton, LA and one great grandson, Micah Dunn of Alexandria, LA; two sisters: Hattie Seals and Faye White of Youngstown, OH; two brothers: Jessie (Carolyn) Harris and Charlie Harris of Youngstown, OH, two sister-in-laws, Vada Williams and Luerettia Mack; two brother-in-laws, Bill (Ruby) Willis and John (Teresa) Willis;  along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, classmates, students and friends.

May each precious memory and those that received the wisdom and love she shared continue arise for years to call this precious woman blessed.