Obituary: Nellie Willis

Nellie Willis, of Massachusetts, formerly of Montclair, died on June 19, 2021. She was 84. 

Mrs. Willis was born in Martinez, Georgia, to Bill and Pearl Willis. She attended school in Martinez until she moved to New Orleans, where she completed her schooling.  

She later moved to Montclair, where she spent most of her adult life. 

Mrs. Willis was a licensed beautician and travel agent and also worked for the state of New Jersey, where she was president of Local 2318 AFSCME NJ and former secretary of the treasury for Council 1 AFSCME NJ.  

She was a longtime member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and the international co-chair of the youth committee for Region 1 and her chapter, central northern New Jersey.  

She was a very special kind of lady, sweet  and sour, but she loved all.   

Mrs. Willis is survived by her daughter, April Seay; two grandchildren, Lakeyla and Jennifer; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Cook; a brother, Moses Willis; two nieces, Lisa and Florette, and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her two sons, Calvin and Tony Seay. 

Services were today, July 1, at Martin’s Home for Service.