Ka'Talyia A'Tedra Willis

Ka’Talyia A’Tedra Willis came into the world on April 8, 1986 and those who were touched by her life would never be the same. Her parents Thomas Ray “T Ray” and Jessie Mae “Safir” Willis knew right away that “Tee” would one day make a forever lasting impression in this world. As a baby she was active and exploratory; she warmed up easily to anyone and possessed an infectious giggle and smile that would melt any heart.

As a little girl she was united with St. James AME Church. She grew up in a home environment that encouraged self-worth, entrepreneurship with a “you can do anything” spirit. Intelligent, sassy and fiercely loyal, she formed life-long friendships with many classmates of Camden Fairview School and graduated in 2004. Curious and excited about the possibilities of a life she further her education and and later enlisted into the United States Airforce concluding her education at UAMS.

She took advantage of all of the lessons she learned at home and setting out on a path of making her own way. She involved herself in several businesses including contract medical lab scientist, Queen City Motors, Bail Bonds”woman”, The Right Spot, and most recently Bawse Babe Logistics, LLC. She became a force to be reckoned with by investing in herself.

On May 19, 2004, “Tee” was blessed to be the mother of Khyri. He was her life and she loved being his mother. She took that role seriously and wanted to make sure that he received all of the love and affection he deserved. She was active in his school events, whether it was an award ceremony or a sporting event.

Her name was synonymous with the phrase, “exhibitionist,” as she lived life without fear and would try anything at least once from parasailing, zip-lining to snorkeling. Tee loved to shop and enjoyed dressing up just as much as she enjoyed dressing down in order to dredge through foliage for a better fishing spot at the water’s edge. Much like her mother, she loved to travel and see the world. Her most recent hobby was playing Bingo with family and friends.

She loved Facebook and posting “selfies”, she also used it to keep up with family and friends, send an encouraging message or post the success in her life as an encouragement to other young black entrepreneurs.

Tee greeted life and its circumstances with a style and grace all of her own. She passed from this life on Thursday, August 5, 2021 and was preceded in passing by her father; Thomas Ray Willis (September 10, 2017); her mother Jessie Mae Kimble Willis passed into the Lords’ embrace on Friday, September 3, 2021 and an aunt,

Those left to relish in her memory are: a handsome and loving son: Khyri Hall of Camden, AR; and J’Koryai Rogers of Camden, AR, whom she loved as a son; her siblings, La’ Tyra Willis of Dallas, TX and Ta’Ki Willis of Camden, AR; her nephews, Takylan Willis and Keystin Willis all of Camden, AR.  She also leaves her aunt, Sandra (Charles) Goodwin of Camden, AR and an aunt who preceded her in death, Mary Catherine Fields; her uncles, Efrem Neal of Little Rock, AR and James Ray Neal of Camden, AR and an uncle who preceded her in death McCalvin Neal; her extended aunts and uncles, Deseree Jenkins of Camden, AR, Tarlisa Dumas of Camden, AR, Barbara (Clem) Canada of Conway, AR; and Audrey Anette Barnes of Conway, AR; Bobby (Tongia) Gaston of Camden, AR, Jerry (Jessie) Gaston of Camden, AR, Ronnie (Rachel) Gaston of Camden, AR, and Stanley Gaston of Camden, AR. Tee also leaves an abundance of family and friends who loved her and added to the richness of her life.

Public visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021 at True Word South, 251 Madison Ave NE, Camden. A celebration of her life will be shared at noon on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Harmony Grove School Arena with Bishop Jacovis R. Davis, eulogist. Interment will be at Eternal Rest Cemetery.