Mrs. Willist Wilson, born Willist Moten to Sam and Virginia Moten on June 24, 1926, in Arkansas, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, at the age of 97. At the tender age of 4, Willist experienced the loss of her mother, Virginia Moten, to breast cancer in 1930. Following her mother’s passing, Willist relocated to Mississippi, where she was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Roszetta Moten. Later she returned to Arkansas to live with her father.

During her formative years, Willist was known as a spirited tomboy and a daddy’s girl, finding joy in farm life alongside her father. Together, they cultivated and sold homemade goods, such as moonshine, to their neighbors.

On February 28, 1944, Willist married E.C. Courtney in Desha, Arkansas. In 1950, they relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, to be closer to E.C.’s family, where Willist worked diligently in domestic roles. Together, they welcomed two children into the world: Gary Courtney in 1957 and Vanessa Courtney in 1959.

Following a divorce in 1961, Willist remarried Calvin Wilson in 1967. She found solace and strength in her faith, being baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1968. Despite facing hardships, Willist remained steadfast in her devotion to her faith, frequently pioneering in her ministry work. Her favorite activities included cooking, gardening, and teaching other about Jehovah.

Calvin Wilson’s passing in 1991 left Willist heartbroken but undeterred in her faith and service. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, remembered fondly by her children, Gary Courtney (Linda, daughter-in-law) and Vanessa Courtney, as well as her five grandchildren: Crystal Battle, Gary and (Elizabeth) Courtney, Maurio and (Dawn) Easley, Precious Courtney and Natasha Courtney. Willist is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, friends, neighbors, community and her Jehovah’s Witness family.

In addition to her parents, Sam and Virginia Moten, Willist is reunited in death with her sisters, Alberta Tolliser and Bessie Tolliser, and her brothers Walter Tolliser and Sherman Tolliser. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Our Granny

Dear Granny,

Though you are no longer with us, your presence remains a guiding light in our lives. As we reflect on the countless moments we shared, our hearts swell with love and gratitude for the extraordinary person you were.

Your warmth and kindness were a constant source of comfort and joy. You had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel cherished and important. Your laughter was infectious, filling our home with a sense of happiness and peace that we will forever cherish.

We remember the stories you told, each one a lesson wrapped in love, and the wisdom you imparted, always guiding us with gentle strength. Your love was unconditional, and your generosity knew no bounds. You taught us the importance of family, the value of kindness, and the power of resilience.

Granny, you were the heart and soul of our family. Your spirit lives on in each of us, the values you instilled and the love you shared. We see you in the little things – in a blooming flower, in laughter of a child, in the quiet moments of reflection.

We miss you dearly, but we find solace in knowing that you are watching over us, a guardian angel guiding us with your everlasting love. Your legacy lives on in our heart, we strive to honor you in all we do.

Thank you for the love, the memories, and the lessons. You will always be our sweet Granny, and we will carry you in our hearts forever.

With all our love,

The memorial service visitation will be at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 

St. Louis Cremation

2135 Chouteau Avenue

St. Louis, Missouri 63103

Funeral procession to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery immediately following at 12:45 p.m.