Daisy Bell Slappy Willis

Daisy was born April 4, 1936 in Apopka, Florida. She was the first born of he Late Carrie Bell Cooley Williams. She was nurtured with the tender love and guidance of the Late Daisy Williams. Daisy was always an over-achiever. Her desire to excel in learning caused Ms. Birdy Hooper to skip her in some primary grades. She was a graduate of Hungerford High School, Eatonville, Florida. There Daisy would earn a lifelong reputation as a star basketball player for the Wildcats. Although she was short in statue, she was a giant on the basketball court. Forever branded by her fellow teammates as “lil Slappy.” In 1953, she would continue her academic path to Spelman College for girls in Atlanta, Georgia. In the spring of 1957, Daisy graduated top of her class. She received her teacher’s certification from Bethune- Cookman University. When asked, How did you do all of that, just a lil gal from little ole Apopka? she would respond, “It was the “Lawd”! (Lord) Daisy return to Apopka and it was then she met and fell in love with this tall, trash talking, gentle giant, Charlie “Bro Springer” Willis. On November 16, 1968 Bro. & Daisy become the proud parents of a bouncy baby boy, Brent “Chuckie” Willis. From the moment she held him in her arms she proclaimed him as her pride and joy. Daisy began a lifelong career as an educator. Her first job was teaching at Fredrick Douglas School for the Coloreds in Zellwood, Florida. She would be one of the African Americans teachers chosen to integrate the Orange Schools System. She was transferred to Lake Wesson Elementary School. Daisy help shape the lives of thousand of young people for over 37 years. In 1994 she thought it was time to enjoy retirement. However, that didn’t last long. Somehow Daisy was recruited as a tutor for the E-We labs in Eatonville. After a few weeks, her lament was to give that up, but her time there would last over 12 years. As a young girl, Daisy was introduced to church and the Lord Jesus Christ. She joined the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. For over 70 years, she worked faithfully in various positions. She served as a member of choir #2, the Gospel Choir and she served as Chairperson of the finance Department for many years. Belle had a gift for teaching the word of God, through her beloved Sunday School Class. Daisy’s motherly instinct caused her to make a major decision for her spiritual health, she decided to connect and support her God-Son Pastor Timothy L. Ford and the ministry of New Direction Community of Faith Church. We cannot have a true reflection of Daisy’s life without mentioning one of her true loves, her Masonic Family. From the beginning of Daisy’s adult life, she connected with Davis Chapter #36 O.E.S. & Citronella Court #93 Heroines of Jericho. From there she would excel higher and higher in her Masonic Family. Daisy served in various roles of the masonic family; she served as chapter Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Matron of Davis Chapter for 26 years. She served as Grand Secretary for the Royal Grand Chapter. In 1991 Daisy was elected as the Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Stars for the State of Florida. Daisy was humbled to serve the organization she loved so much. Her greatest joy of serving was her “official visits”. She enjoyed the bond of traveling across the state with her mother Carrie, her best friend Elizabeth Tippins and her masonic mentor Sis. Mamie Baker. Daisy would also serve on a national level. She held various positions in the Supreme Grand Chapter. Her dedication to community service continued in her community. She served on the City of Apopka Code Enforcement Board under the late Mayor John H. Land, she was also a dedicated member of Z.A.P.T. and would serve as their President, her final act of community service was her greatest. For over a decade, Daisy would happily serve as President of the Apopka Progressive Senior Club. She leaves to cherish her memories: Her son: Brent “Chuckie”; Her other sons: Sylvester Southerland, R.I.P. Charlie “Cheese” Stephens; A devoted God-Son: Pastor Timothy L. Ford (Cassandra); Four Brothers; Alonzo Williams II (Betty), Dr. Robert Williams, Raymond Williams (Patty), Henry Orr. Three sisters: Cynthia Everett (John), Ethelena Nevins and Renee Macon (Bernard); God-Son: Frank McGraw; Sister-in-law: Mary Lois Sanders; Grandchildren: Jeffery, Joanne, Prisilla , TiMyra Q. Ford, 1st Lieutenant Jacari White, Deontrae, Charquesha, Shantrae, Sadesia Toler and Paul Garret; Nieces & Nephews: Lloyd (Sharon) Sanders, Dr. Doug Sanders, Annette Coleman, Janice Melson, Valarie Sanders, Linda Gale, Alonzo Williams III, Amber Williams, Erica, Kimberly, Lawanda, Robina, Robin, John R., Robert, Timothy, Gregory, Raymond M., Raymond D., Rayshan, Crystal, Bernard Jr. and Amanda Extended family and Love ones; Rose Morris, Dixie Fair, Bernice Wynn, the Late Ann Dunn, Marcus “Snoop” Prince, Angela Jackson-Bellamy, Addie Torrance, Tiffany & Addison Collins, Elder Benji McMiller, Walter “Parish”, Leon Jackson and Jo Anna.

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Daisy Bell Slappy Willis

April 4, 1936 - May 31, 2020