OUR STORY
The rich heritage of the Willis family has deep roots in the city of Camden, NJ. The family home, often referred to as “The House,” was located at 304 Mickle Street. Henry, also known as “Poppa” and Janie were poor christian people who raised 13 wonderful children—Donald, Mabel, Anna, Lucille, Grace, Minnie Elsie, Vernell, Gary, George, Janie Lee, Pearl, Kenrich, and Linwood.
The house at 304 Mickle Street was often filled with peope, not just those who lived there, but other relatives who came by often. If you loved to eat, you could find many good things such as tripe, friend potatoes, grits, biscuits, greens, chicken, potato salad, candied yams , and not to mention the pig feet, chitterlings, and hog maws. Memories were created by food and fun—there was more than enough of both at 304 Mickle. Janie and Henry created a foundation of love that each generation has been able to build upon.
Janie lived to see her family grow, marry and prosper. In 1948, the Lord called her home.
Henry later met and married Mary “Suzza” Graham and another chapter in the life of the Willis family began. The Willis family has a rich Christian heritage, rooted in faith and love.
Genealogy is more than just names, dates, and places that shaped a person’s life. It is the stories behind the person.
Once we have discovered these, we can truly connect to the person(s) that we are researching.
If you have stories about your descendants and photos that you would like to share, please send them to us on our contact page or email henrynjaniewillis.family@gmail.com
WILLIAM HENRY WILLIS
1892 – 1966
“POPPA” HENRY was a proud family man. He was born February 7, 1892 in Culpeper, VA. He moved the family to Camden, NJ.
He was employed by the Campbell Soup Company. He worked hard and had a deep kindness in his heart for everyone.
He loved his children and his grandchildren.
He was a dedicated member of Mickle Baptist Church, where he was the Sunday School Superintendent, organized the Sunday School picnic, and played the organ.
He listened to his children’s prayers and even as they got older, he still checked in the rooms to see if all his children were “ok.”
He passed away on April 1, 1966.
FAMILY MAN • DEDICATED • PROUD
JANIE LEE WILLIS
(NEE TYREE)
1892 – 1948
“Momma” Janie was born September 22, 1892. She was an exceptional woman with a genuine love for everyone. Her smile, warmth, and love for her Savior were a part of her that all who knew her remember.
She took her children to Sunday School and taught them to love and share. She left her mark upon this world with her legacy of love.
Momma Janie passed away October 18, 1948.
DEVOTED • LOVING • UNSELFISH
MARY ELLEN (HARMON) GRAHAM WILLIS
1892 – 1991
Mary, affectionatly known as “Suzza,” was the daughter of Dolly and Martin Harmon, born on April 6, 1892. She was born and raised in Greenwood, DE, where she attended public schools. She later relocated to Camden, NJ where she met and married William Graham.
They had five children, Collins, Alfonso, William, Mildren, and Standford. Mary travelled across the country with her husband who was a photograher. William passed away and she became a widow.
Suzza later met Henry and in 1951, they were united in marriage. Her heart and life were enriched by the addition of 12 step-children.
Suzza enjoyed baking treats for her children and grandchildren. She made rugs, pot-holders and shawls for her family and friends Suzza loved the Lord with all of her heart and enjoyed sharing his goodness with others.
She was a member of New Mickle Baptist Church and served faithfully as the Treasurer of the Sick Committee and as a member of the Usher’s Union. She enjoyed being an usher.
She passed away June 26, 1991.
ANNA ELIZABETH WILLIS
1910–1970
Anna was born December 26, 1910 in Elizabeth, NJ. When she was very young, the family moved to Caroline County, VA, where she attended the public schools.
Anna confessed Christ as a young girl and joined Zion Baptist Church. In 1927, they moved to Camden, NJ and she later joined Mickle Street Baptist Church. Anna was kind and sweet. As the oldest sister, she had the role of second mother.
Her favorite songs were “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” and “There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus.”
She passed away November 19, 1970.
MABEL E. WILLIS STAFFORD
1912–1992
Mabel was born March 10, 1912 in Ruther Glen, VA. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Oxford Zion Baptist Church in Caroline County, VA. She moved to New Jersey and attended public schools in Cranford.
On October 8, 1930, she married Rev. Robert W. Stafford. They made their home in Mt. Holly, NJ, and they had 12 children—Frederick, Wilbur, Katherine Marie, Harold, Warren, Robert, Eugene, Ronald, Earl, Joan, Carol, Jewel Gail.
Mabel worked diligently and faithfully as a member of Second Baptist Church, Mt. Holly, NJ, for over 60 years, and her husband served as the associate pastor. Some of her church participation included the Pastor’s Aide, Mother’s Board, Ushers, Missionary Enterprise, Willing Workers, Second Baptist Chorus and Women’s Fellowship. She enjoyed attending Sunday School and Prayer Meetings. It was a pleasure for her to attend various Christian Education Training Programs.
Mabel was a member of the Minister’s Wives and Widows Association of Burlington County, The Order of Calanthe, and the Order of Eastern Stars. In 1984 she was honored as Mother of the Year by the Links, Inc. Rancocas Valley Chapter.
Mabel was a gracious host. The welcome mat was always out at their house. She was always so very proud of her sisters and brothers.
She passed away March 21, 1992.
GRACE WILLIS
GRACE loved to sing. She was in a quartet with her sisters Lucille, Janie Lee, and Minnie Elsie.
A true pioneer, she was one of the first women to work on the railroad in Camden, NJ. She worked down at the freight yard.
A native of Carolina County, Virginia, Willis moved to Camden with his family at the age of 13. It was at New Mickle Baptist Church in the city that Willis met his wife, Mildred Ann Graham, who died in 2001. The couple had three children and raised one of their nephews as well.
After leaving school with a sixth-grade education to help support his family with a railroad job. He worked for the railroad from the age of 13 until retirement.
Willis eventually returned to school, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. He then attended seminary and earned a doctorate degree.
In 1953, Rev. Willis was called to the First Baptist Church of Jericho, Deptford, NJ, and served from 1953 to 1983. While serving at Jericho, Rev. Willis had a heart for evangelism and youth which led to the start of the Youth Revolution for Christ. He was a major player in a variety of initiatives, including establishing a church summer camp and holding a number of positions in the statewide Bethany Baptist Association.
He was very mission minded. He reached out to people all over the world and was very adamant about the church's involvement with foreign missions and locally as well.
In the 1960s and '70s, Willis became a major local leader of the Civil Rights movement. He brought a number of guest ministers to Jericho to discuss a range of social topics and attended Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington in the summer of 1964. Willis also hit the picket lines with other members of the clergy when Irene Hill-Smith, the leader of the local NAACP chapter at the time, was held in jail.
After serving at Jericho for over thirty years, Rev. Willis retired. When Rev. Claybon Bogan became the pastor of First Baptist Church of Jericho, he named Rev. Willis as the assistant pastor, a position he held until his death even though at the age of 98 he could no longer be active.
He passed away November 18, 2014.
JANIE LEE DOUGLAS*
1916–2006
JANIE LEE was born February 2, 1916 in Ruther Glen, Caroline County, VA. At an early age, the family moved to Camden, NJ where she was educated in the Camden City public school systems.
The 5th of the 13 children, lovingly referred to as “JenLee” she was known to be gentle and loved to help around the house by cooking and cleaning.
Janie married Bruder Douglas and had three children, Lawrence, Verona, and Myrna.
She was employed at the Camden Day Care for many years until her retirement. Janie accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of New Mickle Baptist Church where she served faithfully for 52 years on the Senior Choir. Her favorite hymn was “Beams of Heaven.” As one of the original members of Mickle Street Baptist Church, in 2006 she was honored and named as “Mother of the Church.” She enjoyed entertaining her friends and family, and would always invite you over to enjoy her tuna fish sandwiches and coffee strong enough to walk. She loved getting dressed up and wearing earrings and high-heeled shoes. She was a happy, jolly peson and her favorite saying was “I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me.”
She passed December 19, 2006
LUCILLE DORIS DIGGS
August 13, 1917
LUCILLE was extra soft-herted and kind. She would give you the shirt off of her back. She had a sensitive spirit and would cry in a minute.
She loved to cook and was a hard worker.
MINNIE ELSIE PEEPLES HARRIS
1919 – 2001
MINNIE ELSIE was born in Ruther-Glen Caroline County, VA, March 11, 1919. The family later moved to Camden, NJ. She received her education in the Camden City public school system and graduated from Camden High School.
Minnie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Old Mount Calvary Baptist Church on the 1st Sunday of May 1932, by Rev. J. H. Stafford.
In 1936.
Minnie married Edward Peeples and they had three children—Edward, Doris and Janice. However, she became a widow at a young age and relied on the Lord and her family to help raise her children.
Several years later God, ordained a divine encounter when she met her “tall, dark and handsome.” Her brother Donald had a friend named Rev. James Walter Harris who was also a widower. One afternoon during a service at New Mickle Baptist Church, Minnie got up to sing. Donald and James were in the pulpit. When Minnie started singing, James nudged Donald and asked who she was. Donald said, that’s my sister. That was the start; they courted and were married on December 8, 1951. Minnie’s world was expanded with the addition of a son, Michael "Mickey" Harris.
Minnie was a co-laborer with her husband at First Baptist Church of Delair, NJ and in 1956 she joined her husband as he assumed the pastorate of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Camden, NJ. Minnie was a spirit-filled woman of God who was on a mission for the Lord. She served in the following ministries—Deaconess, Senior Missionaries, Youth Advisor, Sunday School Teacher, Senior Choir, Evangelism, Nursing Home, Youth Advisor, Eleanor Henderson Scholarship, Bible Study, International Misters Wives of Camden, International Ministers USA, Minister’s Wives and Widows of Woodbury and Vicinity, NAACP Camden Branch.
Minnie was an employee of the Camden City School System at Sewell Elementary School as a chief lunch aide. She retired after 15 years of service. In January 1990, Minnie Elsie became a widow again when her beloved “Hon” went home to glory.
Minnie Elsie was comical and fun loving. She was known by her brothers and sisters for coming home from work at the cigar factory and cooking her big pot of spaghetti. She loved to sing and was a dedicated worker in the church—she was always serious about church work.
She passed November 18, 2001.
GEORGE WADSWORTH WILLIS
1921 – 2013
GEORGE was born February 18, 1921 in Ruther Glen, VA. George was a hard worker, was pampered by his sisters, and enjoyed having fun. He loved to sing and to dress well. Who could forget his signature red suit and his turquoise or purple shirts and shoes.
In 1951, he married Alice Goode and they had three sons—George Jr., Cornelius and Eugene.
He was employed by the Campbell Soup Company, where he retired after a lengthy service. He served as a Department Shop Steward of Local 80A. A prominent community activist, he was committeeman of the Railroad Workers of Amerca AFLCIO and former steward/negotiator for teamsters Local 169.
Throughout his life he was honored with an array of awards and citations—Community Service Award from the Negro Business and Professional Woman’s Association; citation of Appreciation for Volunteer Service to the Camden County Health Fair, Community Service from the A. Phillip Randolph Institute of Camden County; and in 1984 he received a certificate of recognition for excellent in maintaining the Spirit of the Family awarded by the Willis family. He said that this was a high honor and his most cherished accolade.
George was a long-time resident of Camden and loved his hometown. In response to the ever-changing mood of politics and community safety, he supported youth programs and connected with several organizations to insure positive change in his community. He organized and founded the Parkside Action Committee for Camden youth; was president of Club Goyea; presided as board member of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; and served as the community resource advisor of the Area Health Education Center.
George was a Christian and long-time member of New Mickle Baptist Church in Camden, NJ. He taught adult Sunday School, served as a Trustee, and participated in many other ministries.
He passed away June 3, 2013.
VERNELL M. MOORE
- 2006
VERNELL was born March 7, 1922. She was kind but stern. Known as the “big” little sister, she was very protective of her brothers and sisters. She had a great sense of humor and loved children.
Vernell married John Moore and they had two children— Marva "Betty” Moore Still and John Moore Jr.
She passed away April 15 2006.
GARY JENKINS
1923 – 1999
GARY was born September 19, 1923. She loved to dance and ride her bike that she rented from Johnny Strangs at 3rd and Benson streets. She had a fine figure, loved to wear slacks and danced, danced, danced. She was so talented she even won a dance contest.
Gary married Richard Jenkins and they had four children—Richard Jr., Stephen, Gail, and Sharon.
She passed away August 1, 1999.
PEARL WOODARD
August 28, 1925
PEARL was Poppa’s little girl; she believed in Santa Claus until she was 15 years old—at least she pretended to. :)
She married Charlie Wright, and to this union they were blessed with one son, Vincent Wright.
After his passing, she married Julius Woodard,
She is known for telling great stories about her family and she is an accomplished poet. Her book of poems has been published and are available.
The last matriarch of our Willis family, she will turn 99 years old August 28, 2024.
KENRICH WARREN WILLIS, SR.
1927–2004
KEN was born February 18, 1927 in Ruther Glen, VA. The 12th of the 13 children, he was known to be gentle, kind, and even-tempered.
He was a hard worker and was employed by the Campbell Soup Company for 31 years (1944–1975). In 1951, he married Beatrice (Bea) Carter and they had two children, Ken Jr. and Terri.
After hard work and lots of savings, in 1958 the couple built a house at 488 Lafayette Avenue, Woodbury, NJ. Because of the slight elevation of the house and a large dirt hill in the back of the house, neighborhood children would play “king of the mountain.” This house became known as the house on the hill.
After Ken retired, he would make daily trips to get coffee at Dunkin Donuts or Coastal convenience store. Then he would walk to the local news stand to pick up a Courier Post and the Dailey News—his two favorite newpapaers. He had a difficult time throwing newspaooers away. He would bundle up old papers and put them in the basement. When asked why he kept so many papers, his reply would be “just in case someone tells me about something I missed, I could go back and check it out.”
Ken was a tireless worker at New Mickel Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1966 and held the office as Chairman twice. He also held numerous positions such as Church Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, and coordinator of the nursing home ministry.
Ken’s favorate sayings were “Praise the Lord,” “He Is Able,” “Keep It In Prayer,” and “God Bless You.”
He passed February 14, 2004.
LINWOOD HENRY WILLIS
1928–2002
LINWOOD was born May 22, 1928 in Camden, NJ. The youngest of the 13 children, “the baby” and everyody spoiled him.
He loved to tell stories of his rich memories of “The House” with breakfasts cooked on the six-burner, wood stove, the delightful trips to the special bathroom facilities and the memorable meals prepared by his sisters.
From 304 Mickle, he moved to Stevens Street and 433 South 4th Street where he lived with his wife Julia A. Willis and their daughter Thelma J. “Cookie” Willis. He later moved to Cherry Hill, NJ where he lived with his wife Mary (Watson) Willis and children Sheila and Alfonso.
Linwood graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and then earned Bachelor and Masters of Arts degrees from Rutgers University. He thrived in his various careers—the railroad, the United States Postal Service, the Philladelphia Psychiatric Center, O.I.C., and the School District of Philadelphia, where he served diligently as a social studies teacher, a guidance teacher, and a Dean of Students.
He retired in 1990 after 38 years of service. Linwood unquestionably loved the Lord and demonstrated his love both in word and deeds. He could be found diligently studying his Sunday School lesson daily in prepartion for the class that he taught. He loved intellectul challenges, and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and engaging in quiet games of chess with family and friends. He encourged learning and loved to read. He gave his daughter Cookie a new book each week, read to her and passed on to her his passion for literature.
Linwood loved to laugh and share his “wonderful” jokes with anyone who would listen.
He passed June 20, 2002.