Mr. Juwan Lovell Willis Sr.

WILLIS, Mr. Juwan Lovell Sr. - Age 50, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at his residence. Family hour 10:00 AM Saturday, January 13, 2024, from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM Min Kenneth Willis, officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home 10:00 AM Saturday. Mr. Willis will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Friday. Juwan Lovell Willis Sr. was born on July 16, 1973, in Flint, Michigan. He was a caring son, attentive husband, tenderhearted brother, devoted father, passionate teacher and more. Juwan was known for his vibrant spirit and his unique way of expressing love through assigning nicknames and creating connections that transcended the ordinary. As an inspiring educator, he dedicated his life to shaping young minds, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of his students. Juwan will be remembered for his thought-provoking and funny phrases (such as “because it’s Tuesday”) which fostered many opportunities for the development of character and unmatched critical thinking skills in his students. Juwan was an accomplished automotive instructor with many awards and accolades. He was an ambitious and innovative leader at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast (OSTC-NE) in Pontiac, Michigan. He had a goal to build the best high school automotive program in the country. Juwan was a member of the Michigan Education Association, and in 2022, he was named the Byrl Shoemaker Instructor of the Year by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation. In 2023, he was named a $100,000 Grand Prize Winner of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools 2023 Prize for Teaching Excellence. Juwan's passion for teaching was only surpassed by his deep love for his family. He was a sweet, loving, and thoughtful father. He will be missed for the way he would answer his children’s phone calls with a loving “hello my baby.” An amazing biological father of six, and father figure to many more, he navigated parenthood with a blend of unwavering dedication and the occasional touch of stubbornness, creating a home filled with love and life lessons. Juwan's mind was a treasure trove of uniqueness, offering perspectives that illuminated the world around him. His creativity and distinct thinking enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to share in his journey. He leaves behind a tapestry of memories, each woven with his laughter, wisdom, and the warmth of his affectionate nicknames. Juwan was a man cherished for his love, dedication, and the extraordinary imprint he left on the hearts of all who knew him. Juwan was also cherished for his tenacity, and extraordinary imprint. He left an indelible mark on all the lives he touched. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration for all of us. Juwan Lovell Willis Sr. is survived by: loving wife, Terrica Willis; 3 daughters, Deija Willis, Devin Willis, and Jordan Willis; 3 sons, Juwan Willis Jr., Tahj Willis, and Tyler Willis; bonus sons, Ezell “EJ” Jones, Elija Jones, Devin Bailey and Kenyon Knight; bonus daughter, Breana “Bre” Washington; 4 sisters, T’nishia (Daveontay) Jones-Burley, Sonya (George) Mhosira, Marceile “Ceile” Mitchell, and Dr. Essie Murphy; brothers, Emmanuel Jones, and Dederick Aldridge; mother, Nancy Pearl Willis-Jones; father, Fredie (Risa) Hutson; mother-in-law, Sandra Aldridge; “Uncle Daddy” Hosie (Cheryl) Willis; father-in-law, Floyd Purnell; two “adopted” granddaughters, Brooklyn and Nia Washington; “adopted” grandson, Jayce Washington; special cousins, Francisco Willis, Charles Willis, Dara Spencer and Jessica Miller; best friend, Dominique Ward; bonus brothers, Antonio (Regina) Acuna, Mark Waite and Ted (Susan) Delator; a host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, students, friends, and chosen family. Juwan was preceded in death by his brothers, Benjamin Jones and Fredie Hutson II; a host of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mr. Juwan Lovell Willis Sr.

July 16, 1973 - January 2, 2024