Ms. Willa N. Harrison

HARRISON, Ms. Willa N.- age 61, passed away Monday, November 3, 2014 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2014 at Vernon Chapel AME Church, 5802 Dupont St., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Rev. Byron C. Moore officiating. Family and friends will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Friday. Ms. Harrison will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. Thursday. Willa Nichole Jiles – Harrison affectionately known as “Honey” to family and childhood friends was born in Brundidge, AL on December 15th 1952 the daughter of Lucielle Morgan and J.D. Jiles. Not too long after the family moved to Albion, MI. Honey was one of eight children; two of which preceded her in death, being Minnie and Willie Jiles. Her other surviving siblings are LC Jiles, James Jiles, Bill Curry, Larry Curry and Alvin Curry. Willa moved to Flint, MI and started her own family. Marrying and giving birth to three children. Willa retired from General Motors working at the Buick City Motor Plant where she served on several committees and was a member of UAW Local 591. She also attended College, studying Nursing. Willa was also viewed as a mother figure to many of her children’s friends and a wealth of kids from the Flint Northern Marching band from 1995 till the early 2000’s. Being a dedicated band parent, she was awarded with a Parent of the year award and also rewarded with a Band Booster Appreciation plaque. Willa volunteered a lot of her spare time towards helping others after retiring from GM. Aside from volunteering with the school band she also volunteered at Hurley Medical Center, helping to teach Dialysis patients how to care for themselves. She was involved in the Church Choir at Vernon Chapel AME, and a member of the Cook Missionary Society. She also did plenty of civil work in the community with Sisters United Inc. Willa enjoyed cooking, shopping (absolutely Loved QVC and HSN) and always looked forward to family reunions and gatherings. People that knew Willa, would know her to be a very loving, kind and caring person. Willa presented herself in a manner whereas you would undoubtedly notice that she was a child of God. She was very accommodating and the type of woman to do whatever she could to help out the people she loved and cared about. Especially her children. Many times, downplaying or concealing any of her needs, troubles or worries as she never wanted to be a burden unto others. Willa touched many lives in a positive way, even into her last hours. She will truly be missed by many. However, let us all be happy for her as she has DEFINITELY moved on to a better place. An Angel has returned home; Thank you Lord for sharing her with us. Rest and enjoy Heaven Mom your work here is done. Mrs. Willa Harrison leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Keyla Harrison; 2 sons, Netorrey and Edreese McGill; 2 grandchildren, Khalis Bridges and Alyek Hines, all of Flint; daughter-in-law, Jo Maston; 5 brothers, LC, James Jiles, William Jr., Larry and Alvin Curry; 4 sisters-in-law, Claudine, Delores, Teresa Jiles and Dee Curry; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends including special friends, Catherine Oliver, Cynthia Rice, Lily Garth, Paulette Simpson and Mary Moore. Mrs. Harrison was preceded in death by her parents, Lucielle Morgan and J.D. Jiles; sister, Minnie and brother, Willie Jiles.

Ms. Willa N. Harrison

December 15, 1952 - November 3, 2014