Melissa L. Willis

Melissa “Missy” Louise Willis, 58, of Springfield, Ohio departed this life and transitioned into Eternal Life on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Allen View Healthcare Center, Springfield, Ohio surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 16, 1966, in San Bernardino, California to Susan E. Cole and the late Silas A. Self.

Missy graduated from Springfield South High School in 1985. She attended Clark State Community College where she studied to become a Nurse’s Aide. Upon completion, she went on to do the work she loved and was employed by several skilled nursing facilities in the Springfield area. Due to her love and compassion for community outreach, Missy left her skilled nursing career and went on to become the face of the Springfield YMCA, where she was the Front Desk Receptionist.

She was a faithful and dedicated lifelong member of St. Luke Baptist Church and Restored Life Ministries where she was a member the of “The Gardeners of Eden” church food pantry and was soaring soprano in various RLM Choirs.

Her unwavering faith in God until the very end, was a shining example to all. She was a true testament of Psalms 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Missy’s unbelievable determination and perseverance during her illness was a beautiful testimony of love, encouragement, and hope as she praised and her powered through every single church service she was able to attend.

Missy’s life will be forever cherished in the lives of her adoring and devoted mother, Susan; daughters, Lanaya (Richard) Turner all of Springfield, Ohio, Briana (Ronald Sr.) Frost of Dayton, Ohio and special daughter, Imelia Collins of Huber Heights, Ohio; siblings, Lori Dunn, Norris Self, Michelle Patterson, and Jaelyn Bray; precious grandchildren, Malik, Mikal, and Jaxyn Turner, Ronald Jr., Kammeron, Kennzei, Kadence, and Khori Frost, Michaela and Mekhi Collins; special friend, David Freeman; lifelong best friend, LaShelle LeLewis and a host of bonus children and grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close relatives.

She was proceeded in death by her fathers, Silas A. Self and James R. Bray; three brothers, Stephen Bray, James R. Bray, Jr., and Kent Bray; two sisters, Ciara Bray and Lavon Landis; maternal grandparents, Chester and Elizabeth Cole; and paternal grandparents, Oliver and Cleopatra Self.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Homegoing Celebration at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Restored Life Ministries, 1117 Innisfallen Ave., Springfield, Ohio 45506.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.