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This journey called life began for our mom, Willa Mae ‘Sista’ Shaver Roberts when she was born on October 26,1941. Her spiritual birth occurred when she was baptized into the Lord on August 22,1976 at the East Dallas Church of Christ. She remained a faithful member of the Beckley Heights Church of Christ until her peaceful passing on August 21, 2021.
The world was blessed with her presence for 79 years. She was one of three children born to the union of Everett and Bedella Shaver in the small town of Gibson Station, Oklahoma. She was the middle child, having an older brother Raymond Shaver married to Shirley, and her baby brother Leon Shaver, married to Kay. Both parents and her brothers, as well as Shirley, preceded her in death.
Willa had an illustrious career that spanned purchasing, finance, and education. She graduated Valedictorian from Lincoln High School in May 1959 and went on to further her education at Langston University where she studied Business Administration. Willa retired in 2005 as Purchasing Manager for the County of Dallas. She continued to work with other companies after retirement but shortly thereafter she decided to enjoy the leisure life of a full retiree.
Willa loved her family. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings, holiday dinners. A few games of dominoes and monopoly over the years made those events that much more special. Her favorite past-time was shopping, both in stores and online. Decorating her home was also at the top of her list of favorite things. She enjoyed a good night of TV watching, talking and texting with her children and grands, as well as listening to her audio bible and attending Sunday worship service. When her mobility became limited and the onset of the global pandemic made its presence, virtual church services became a true blessing. She often tuned into the East Side Church of Christ services in Austin, TX as well as Fifth Ward Church of Christ located in Houston, TX.
Willa was the proud mother of three children. She is survived by her oldest son Vincent Thompson of Midlothian, TX married to Valerie, her youngest son Daryl Shaver, of Little Elm, TX married to Yvette; and her daughter LaSonia Dorrough of Houston, TX married to Reggie. Her sons were born to the union of Jay Allen Thompson and her daughter was born to the union of Harry Lavon Roberts.
Willa was blessed with five grandchildren: She is survived by her first grandchild Vincent ‘Pooh’ Thompson Jr, his sister Venitrice ‘Nee’ Love, married to Quincy; Darryl Alexander ‘Alex’ Shaver, and his sisters Alexis Shaver and Arielle Shaver.
Her blessings continued with four great grandchildren. Tyson Austin and his sister Tinsley Love; Chase Thompson and his sister Keilene Thompson. Willa is also survived by her nieces and nephews. Children born to her older brother Raymond, are, Barry Shaver married to Treece, Raymond ‘Bruiser’ Shaver married to Leicha, Robin Shaver, Raymona Watson, married to Greg Watson, Vernon Shaver, and Rena Shaver. Children born to her younger brother are Leon Bernard Shaver, married to Carmen, Cozetta Owens married to Isaac and Nina Gaston. Willa was preceded in death by Leon’s youngest daughter Cindy Shaver.
Willa is survived by an aunt, Leola Lyons, and a host of great nieces, nephews and cousins from coast to coast. She was preceded in death by her uncle, loving aunts and other relatives.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willa Roberts, please visit our floral store.