MONUMENT OF FAITH EVANGELISTIC CHURCH 2750 W. Columbus Ave • Chicago, IL 60652 Pastor Apostle Mark Henton, officiating Memorial Service- 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Sweet, sweet Mama dear, Oh how I’m truly going to miss you! I looked forward to our morning talks about our plans for the day and week. Our pop-up lunches together watching our favorite home decorating shows, Family Feud w/ Steve Harvey, Judge Judy( your most favorite), Wrinkle the Duck, and old game shows. We had the best conversations, talking about God’s faithfulness, what you bought from Temu to what’s for dinner. Because of your wisdom and your gracious ways, my well is full. Thank you so very much! I love you, Mama, Avis My girl, my girl, my girl, talking about my girl my girl Growing up I was so insecure but you alway spoke life into me and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, you help me raise my babies and they are very successful men and woman I wanted to make you proud and walking across the stage receiving my bachelors degree was the best day of my life Mom, you were loving, compassionate, and a very protective mother, grandmother, and great grandmother a God-fearing strong black Queen your legacy will live on forever always Your baby girl, Kenyatta Dear Grandma As I’ve been navigating through life and trying to find my place in it. You have always been there for me. Even in some of my darkest days you saved me from myself. When I fell you would pick me up, when I strayed away , you were patient,when I got to big headed you’d make it even bigger lol. You were truly a remarkable woman inside and out. The amount of unconditional love you shown will always and forever be with me. I think back and laugh now because as a small boy I ask for you to sew me a superhero costume, Not knowing my real hero wa s standing right in front of me. Love always, your grandson David Tributes
Diana “Lady Di Wills NOVEMBER 26, 1942 ~ APIL 8, 2024 REFLECTIONS ON MY LIFE AND LEGACY My name is Diana. I was born on November 26, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Margaret Turner and Stance Richie. As an only child of Margaret Turner, my life was enriched when my mother married Cleveland Payne in 1950, blessing me with a wonderful father figure. I was raised in the nurturing environment of Chicago, where the warmth and resilience instilled in me by my parents shaped my approach to life. Their teachings in kindness and strength guided me through every challenge and triumph. I attended Englewood High School and later pursued studies in psychology at Olive Harvey College, and computer skills at North Peterson Computer School. In 1973, I married Robert Stevenson. This union blessed me with my beautiful daughter, Kenyatta, who became the little sister to my beautiful daughter, Avis Thigpen. Through my daughters’ marriages, I gained two wonderful sons-in-laws and became the proud grandmother of six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. From the tender age of three, I was introduced to the Church of God in Christ. At twenty-five, I wholeheartedly accepted Christ as my personal savior, a commitment that has deeply enriched my spiritual journey. My spiritual roots were first planted at Trinity Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, where my parents and I were members. In 1955, we became charter members of the newly founded Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, deepening our family’s spiritual legacy. In 2000, I found a new spiritual home at Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church, guided by the late Apostle Richard Daniel Henton and now by Apostle Mark Henton, continuing my lifelong devotion to faith and community. Music was my lifelong passion. From a young age, I sang in the Church of God in Christ choir, under the tutelage of Mrs. Vashti Powell. With lifelong friends, Sara Jordan Powell, Little Esther Cochran-Smith, and Walterene Bolden, we formed a group known as the Goldsberry Specials. My voice graced many venues, from the prestigious Rockefeller Chapel to the vibrant House of Blues Gospel Sunday Brunch. I even had the honor of singing at W. Clement Stone’s 98th birthday celebration. Professionally, I held numerous jobs, including working as a computer operator at Blue Cross Blue Shield, and for several years at Northern Trust Company. I also founded the Lady Di Catering business. My greatest accomplishment in the work field was the 25 years I spent at John Kennedy High School. There, I was affectionately called “Lady Di.”I helped transform the educational culture at John F. Kennedy High School by providing a profound influence
on students and staff applicable through life. A culture and climate of family and trust were nurtured in an authentic learning environment during my tenure as a Student Service Security Personnel. For years, I effectively and collaboratively worked with a leadership team comprised of police officers, Dean of Discipline, psychologist, school nurse, social worker, parents, teachers, students and the building principal with intent to protect and build positive, long-lasting relationships. I was known for my wonderful sense of humor, enthusiasm, creativity, resourcefulness, and use of sound judgement when responding to complex and subtle conflicts with professionalism and God-given grace. The internal and external school communities were blessed when I organized the John F. Kennedy High School Gospel Choir. Many of the members recognized their multi-talents during their participation. For example, one student became a Lyricists for known artists such as Kenneth Brian Edmonds, known as Babyface. One of my favorite school choir members was Minister Robert Holmes who served as the musician/choral director, and now works with the music ministry at Monument of Faith Church under the leadership of Apostle Mark Henton. To those I leave behind, I offer not only memories but a legacy of love. Continue to cherish each other as I have cherished you, and know that from every sunrise to sunset, my love remains with you. As I bid this world farewell, I find comfort in rejoining those who have passed before me, including my beloved parents, Elder Cleveland and Margaret Payne, and my siblings Elaine, Rose, Arline, Lance, James, Lurlene, Beverly, and Cleveland Jr. I leave behind a life rich in love and laughter, a testament to the connections we share. My beautiful loving daughters: Avis (Carl) and Kenyatta (Demond); my grandchildren: David, Jada, Davontay, Nina, Taylor, and Diamond; Three Bonus loving Grand-children & four Bonus Loving Great-Grand Children and a Host of Nieces, Nephews and friends—each of you reflects the joy of my heart. In remembrance, celebrate my life not with sorrow but with joy. Reflect on the moments that brought us together, the smiles we shared, and the love that will echo through generations.
PROCESSIONAL Ministers and Family MISTRESS OF CEREMONY Sherida Morrison PRAYER Elder Michael Gordon OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT Psalm 23:1-6 I Corinthians 15:50-58 Elder Nathaniel Windom SELECTION Monument of Faith Choir RESOLUTIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF CARDS Acknowledged in private SELECTION Monument of Faith Choir REMARKS (2 MINUTES) RELECTIONS ON MY LIFE AND LEGACY Sherida Morrison SERMONIC SOLO Joseph Terry WORDS OF COMFORT Apostle Mark Henton BENEDICTION RECESSIONAL REPASS Celebration of New Life Immediately following memorial service Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Thank you for always being there for me. I will always cherish your love and wisdom. I will miss hearing your beautiful singing and watching your favorite shows with you. Heaven has another Angel. Love you, your Grand daughter, Jada boo Your memories will always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for me. I am forever grateful and thankful that you are my grandmother. Love you, your granddaughter Nene I remember when I was in 4th or 5th grade and I was feeling sick at school. Momma couldn’t come pick me up so Grandma took me to her house and started to take care of me. Grandma and granny started to make me some ramen noodles but she threw in some baked chicken as well and it was by far the best ramen I’ve ever had. I was watching cartoons and she came to speak to me, she asked how I felt and if I just wanted to get out of school. We spoke for a while and she stroked my hair while I fell asleep. She was a force to be reckoned with but was such a loving and caring grandmother. I’ll miss her dearly. Love always, Granddaughter Smoogies Tributes I can’t even put into words how I’m feeling. Grandma, you know we loved you and we will miss you dearly. Your aura was truly one of a kind and I’ll forever be thankful to have had you as a Grandmother. Rest Peacefully my Lady .️ Your one and only Miss Diamond Grandma, I’m going to miss you grandma. I love you. -Vontay
Honorary Pallbearers Carl Thigpen David Stevenson Terrance Broadnax Barry Demond Rule Davontay Kwaaning Diamante´ Rule Acknowledgement Your words have comforted us, your support has strengthened us, and your love has sustained us. We extend our Deepest Thanks To You For Your Kindness and love. T he Family of Sister Diana “Lady Di” Wills Special T hanks to: Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church 2750 W. Columbus Ave • Chicago, IL 60652 Faith Temple Church of God In Christ 7158 S. Peoria • Chicago, IL 60621 Flowers Unlimited, INC. 862l S Stony Island • Chicago IL 60617 A.R. Leak Funeral Home 7838 South Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60619 creative ideas through the eyes of God... “Memorial Keepsakes” [email protected] 773-874-3370