Elizabeth Ann (Tyson) Willis

From the union of Leon and Beatrice Tyson, an angel was born on December 17, 1945, in Elkhart, IN.  Elizabeth “Ann” Willis took her wings peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Elkhart General Hospital, surrounded by family.

Ann graduated from Elkhart High School in 1963.  She was employed at Miles Laboratory which later became Bayer, Inc.  Ann retired after 38 years of service.

On June 18, 1999, she married her friend Charles Willis, who survives along with her two biological sons; Micah Butler of Indianapolis and Marlon (Blynda) Butler of Oviedo, FL; a supportive and loving stepmother to Trina Gregory, Charles (Stacey) Willis Jr., JaVarrius Willis, Mario Smart, Jalanda Lee of Elkhart, IN, Charmaine (DaVon) Quinn of Ft. Wayne, Elgin (Stasha) Anderson of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Ann is a proud grandmother to 26 grandchildren: Markell, Daylen, Dominique, Dekel, Decara, Danaya, Kamarion, Keyara, Kadarian, Kamryn, Amaiya, Olivia, Jazlyn, Aja, Elgin Jr., Mckinzie, Anthony, Tre'Shaun, Marion Jr., Qavie, Malachi, Alandios, Alonda, Aljaniar, Alisha, and Jacintha (Benjamin) White.

20 adorable great grandchildren: Jayliah, Leo, Kiomi, Kivontre, Ki Shawn, Alayzia, Amaaieor, Anijah, Danya, Damyra, Armiah, Jaylin, Aljama Jr., Aliahlee, Teagan, Luna, Tre’Koa, Jalyah, Leonidas and Aeon.

Also surviving is one brother, Curtis Tyson, one sister, Oressia Kirk, both of Elkhart, one sister-in-law, Damita (Donald) Calhoun of Elkhart, a brother-in-law, Paul Willis Jr. of Elkhart, and a special cousin, Donna McKnight of Battle Creek, MI.  In addition, she leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous special friends, neighbors and loved ones whose lives she touched.

Ann accepted Christ at a young age and was a lifetime member of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church as an active stewardess, choir member, Daughter of Hanna, Christian Education Ministry, St. James pantry ministry along with numerous other things her hands found to do.  She was also a lifetime member of the NAACP and the Black Expo.  In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening beautiful flowers during the summer, cooking, shopping, traveling and spending time with family and friends.  Ann was a kind and caring person who would do anything she could to help someone in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Beatrice Tyson, paternal grandparents, James Neal and Lizzie Burden-Neal, brothers James Carroll, sister Imogene Evens, Uncle Melvin Boyd, sister-in-law, Michaele and Amarion Kirk.

Visitation for Ann will be held from 10 am until 11 am Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. James AME Church.  The funeral service will begin at 11, also at the church with Rev. Dalray Trotter officiating.  Burial will be in Rice Cemetery.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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