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July 23, 1931 – May 5, 2020

NATCHEZ — Exlena Thompson Willis, 88, of Natchez, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2020 at Oschner Medical Center in Kenner, Louisiana.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, May 9, 2020, at the Greater St Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Natchez, under the direction of Webb/Winfield Funeral Home.

Exlena was born in Natchez to the late Eugene and Estella Thompson. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years, Cleaven Willis Sr. Three sisters, Flotie Woods, Ella Mae Thompson, and Charlotte Thompson. Nine brothers, Charlie Thompson, John Thompson, Mack Thompson, James Thompson, JW Thompson, Albert Thompson, BB Thompson, Jonathan Thompson, and Jesse Thompson.

After living in New Orleans Louisiana for 46 years, she returned to Natchez in 2005 due to hurricane Katrina. She rejoined the Greater St Mark Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev Maurice Irving, where she served on the Mother’s Board for over 15 years.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Mack Willis (Gloria), Cleveland Willis Jr., Larry Willis, Linda Willis Verrett (the late Darryl Verrett Sr), and Kathleen Willis. Her grandchildren, LaTonia Willis, Shawn Willis (Ashley), Dominique Whitaker, Latasha Whitaker Bozeman (Ricky), Renieka Willis Jacks (Jerome), Kendra Whitaker, Darryl Verrett Jr, Ashley Willis, Kevin Whitaker, David Verrett, and Sondra Willis Cuffie (Derrick). A special niece Daisy Bynum (Kenneth), and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, church family, and friends.

Her infectious smile and warm personality will be missed by many.