Tiajuania Willis

Tiajuania Laurita Willis affectionally known as "Wannie" and "Little Sujuanda," was born on October 17, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois. She is the beloved daughter of Sujuanda Willis and the cherished middle child of her family. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at St. Gelasius Church, formerly St. Cydril, and attended St. Cyril School. After the closing of St. Gelasius, she attended Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, IL alongside her devoted mother. After attending grammar school, she then attended Hyde Park Career Academy High School, where she graduated, despite being diagnosed with Lupus at the age of fifteen. She also attended Kennedy-King College in Chicago, IL. It was then she realized she would not be able to finish her college education and achieve her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. As an adult, Tiajuania's steadfast strength and resilience shone through as she battled her Lupus. Because she could not be seen at LaRabida Childrens Hospital in Chicago, the family relocated to Anniston, Alabama to be closer to her new physician, Dr. Monica Crawford, and receive the best care for her Lupus diagnosis. Wannie was hailed as a Lupus TROOPER and HERO. Throughout her life, she faced each day to the fullest with a smile and an inspiring attitude, whether it was good or bad with no regrets. There was hardly anything she could not accomplish within her means. Although Wannie battled her illness for some time, she never complained. Tiajuania shared a special bond with her mother. She was her mother's ride or die, best friend and protector. Her favorite saying was "My Mama Said." Wannie found her greatest source of joy and motivation in her mother, SuJuanda, and her brother Johnell. Tiajuania approached life with a positive spirit and unwavering determination. She told her mom whenever God called, she would be ready. On Sunday, August 11, 2024, Wannie answered God's call and gained her heavenly wings. She was preceded in death by her uncle and her namesake, TiaJuana Willis, Jr., who affectionately called her Waikanae Baby and her dad, James Robert Coleman, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories, her sons, DeAndre Willis and GaShod Willis; nephew, Marquis Townsend, the first baby of the family whom she claimed as her own; mother, Sujuanda Willis Coleman; and her sister, Markeisha Willis; brothers, Johnell Willis and Jame' (Candice) Coleman; her god-sister, Nilkkia Iving; aunt, Meredith (Leonard) Donaire; uncles, Charles Willis, Napoleon Willis, and Dennis Willis, Jr.; great-aunts, Olivia Harris and Geraldine Stephens; nieces, Dakota, Mariah, Asyria and, Alisha; nephews, Lamar, Taharqa, and Mekhi; Godmother, Sheri Campbell, the Coleman and Whitfield families; her BFF of 30 years and her son's god-mother, Daniella Davis; her sister-girl/BFF and caretaker, Princess Deramus; adopted uncle, Valdo Young; and a multitude of other family members and friends. Tiajuania possessed the ability to light up the room and make you feel as if you were the most important person present. She was very candid and direct. It was important for her to tell you what you needed to hear as opposed to hear what you wanted to hear. She will always be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and the positive impact on the lives of those fortunate to have known her. She always met life where it is was with no complaints. She was truly an inspiration!

Tributes

Tiajuania Willis

October 17, 1977 - August 11, 2024