Obituary of Mother Katie Mae Willis

The sun rose on the life of Mother Katie Mae Willis on February 6, 1928 in Bremont, Texas when she was born to Lillie O'Bell. The youngest of eight children, Katie had two brothers, Johnny and Emanuel and five sisters, Dora, Rose, Irene, Lillie and Pearlie. As a child, she was always loving, caring and willing to help anyone. Her mother was very dependent on her. She was "the pastor child" and loved the outdoors. Katie was first married to Robert Porter. To this union was born one precious child, Bobbie. The marriage was later dissolved. In 1950, she was united in marriage with James Lee Holliman. To this union were born five beautiful children, James, Johnny, Ora Mae, Gail and Linda. She was a loving and devoted mother. "She always gave us strength to go on." In later years, her grandchildren, Katie, Billy, Sylvia, Sandra, Inzera, Tonie, Cerise, Yolanda, Leslie, Patrece, Elfride, Exthro, Jamel, Janiece, Linda, Katie and Joseph added much joy to her life. They called her "Big Mama" or "Madea" and will always remember church, fishing, family Sundays and playing Spades with her. A woman of deep faith in God, Katie was a member of Greater St. John Baptist Church in Denver for over 19 years. She served the Lord and her church as a church mother. Until retirement, Katie was employed as a cook. In her free time, she enjoyed family, friends, reading the Bible, volunteering, mission work and fishing. Her best friends were Sister Ernestine Gardner, Sister Edna Daniels and Lou Haywood. Her favorite colors were black and white. She loved roses and gospel music. One of her most common expressions was, "Don't let the devil in." Her love, caring, strength of character, kindness and ability to be "all woman" will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to be a part of this lovely lady's life. To know Mother Katie was truly to love her. The sun set on the earthly life of Mother Katie Mae Willis on March 13, 2014 when the Lord called her home to eternal rest. She is preceded in death by her mother, brothers; sisters, Dora Weatherspoon, Rose Wilson, Irene Sutton and Pearlie; son, Johnny Hollman; and daughter, Bobbie Porter. Those left to cherish her memories include her son, James (Norvell) Hollman, Jr.; daughters, Gail (Stanley) Lattin-Chism of Aurora, CO, Ora (A.J.) Johnson and Linda (Jesse) Hervie; sister, Lillie Edwards, all of Ft. Worth, TX; devoted friends, Ernestine Gardner and Edna Daniels of Denver, CO; seventeen grandchildren; and a host of great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.