Clarence "Bobo" Willis Jr.

John 14: 1-3- Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Clarence “Bobo” Willis was born July 13, 1942 in Marie, Arkansas to Clarence Willis Sr. and Alice Strickland and raised in Mississippi. 

Clarence moved to Michigan in 1960.  Shortly after, at age 23, he married the love of his life, Georgia “Baylou” Hoskins.   Clarence worked for the local railroad company, National Motors for 15 years, and KMart until he retired.  After retiring from KMart, he started his own small Fencing and Pallet business.  He was well known in Berrien County for his services as the “Fence Man” and he put his heart and soul into every fence and pallet that he built. 

Clarence gave his life to Christ and was baptized at an early age while growing up in Mississippi.  One thing for sure Clarence loved his children, grandchildren, community, and Church. 

Clarence often volunteered at the Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry, the 4H, and coaching boys baseball.  He served at Mt. Herman, Pleasant Grove, and Bread of Life Baptist Churches as an usher for over 50 years.  Weekend trips to bowling, the pool hall, and the movie theater was a Willis children’s favorite.  And he never missed a Saturday morning” Breakfast with Santa” every Christmas with his grandchildren.   

Clarence transitioned to his heavenly home on May 4, 2021. Clarence was preceded in death by his father, mother, two sisters Derotha Givan & Pearlie Kellie, brother Allred Yarbrough and stepbrother Bobo Brazil. 

Clarence will forever be cherished in the hearts of his wife of 54 years: Georgia Willis.  Sister: Mary Shaw - Benton Harbor. MI; Sons: Ricky Hoskins- Benton Harbor, MI; L.T. Hoskin - Benton Harbor, MI; Gerry (Jill) Hoskins, Sr. - Pennsylvania, Stanley Willis - Benton Harbor, MI; David Bell, Jr.- Nashville.  Daughters: Laddy B. (Larry) Edwards - Benton Harbor, MI; Gwen Willis-Norwood - Benton Harbor, MI;  Renee Kellie -Illinois.  Goddaughters: Angela “ReRe” Polk-Taylor, Lisa Malone, Dora Jenkins, and a multitude of other loved Godchildren.  His good friends Percy Walker and Charles Simms.  A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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