James Sterling Willis

Remembering James

Our beloved Brother, Father, Uncle, and Grandfather, Mr. James Sterling Willis, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 1, 2023 in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 67 years. James was born February 11, 1956 to James Sterling Broaden and Minnie Pearl Willis; a bonus father, Willie Lenoir Jr., whom he loved dearly.

James’ memory will be cherished by his mother, Minnie Pearl (Reed); his children, Cordelfo (Lena) Howard, James Willis, Capatrion Howard, and Jillian Lambert; two bonus daughters, Tomekia Howard and Ebony Stuckey, all of Saginaw, Michigan; brothers, Kenneth (Tonya) Lenoir of Woodstock, Georgia, Chris (Suncia) Lenoir, New Orleans, Louisiana; sisters, Barbara (Smith) Moore, Tangela (Allen) Bradley, New Orleans, Louisiana, JoAnne Broaden (Anthony Wilford), Deirdra (Charles) Ford, Carolyn Hulett, and Janice Baldridge, Saginaw, Michigan; numerous grand and great-grandchildren; goddaughter, Quangi Glenn; godmother, Faye Presley; close friends, Verna Neal, Carrie Scott, Cathy and Linda Stephens, Robert "Bobby" Glover and James Boose; aunts, Margree Aldridge, Catherine Wilson, Saginaw, Michigan, Earlene White, Detroit, Michigan; uncles, Eddie, Perry, Terry, and Kennie Wilson, Detroit, Michigan; James also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.

James was preceded in death by his father, James Sterling Broaden; bonus father, Willie Lenoir Jr., grandson, Robert Murry III; brothers, Raymond Wilson and Sterling Broaden; aunts, Dora Lee Griffin, Dorthy Tinsley, and Beverly Wilson; uncles, Josh and Willie Wilson.

The family extends special thanks to Westchester Village East and Ms. Geri Frank; Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel.