Willa Mae Larkins

Willa Mae Larkins, nee Stockman was born in Selma, Alabama on September 9, 1929 to John and Elnora   Stockman. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Johnny Stockman, sister L.B. Stockman and son Ronnie Larkins. Willa was the middle child of three children born into the Stockman union. She was educated at Knox Academy in Selma, Alabama. Willa confessed her life to Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama, under the leadership of Pastor BT Booker.
After moving to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1958, she joined Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Albert L. Goodwin and served under Pastor Melvin T. Jones, Bishop Michael F. Mack, Pastor Ivan Durand and lastly serving under the leadership of Dr. Johannon R. Tate, Pastor. Willa loved her church and has been a faithful member for over 60 years. It was here that she developed life-long friends that became family. She served as a Deaconess and in many other areas of the church. She believed deeply in the power of prayer. She enjoyed sending greeting cards to the sick and shut in. You knew you were loved if you received a greeting card with all of the important words underlined.
Willa was united in holy matrimony on June 16, 1960 to William H. Larkins. They enjoyed over 60 years of marital bliss. With this union, were three sons.
Willa retired from General Electric in Evendale, Ohio in 1990. After retirement, she enjoyed watching politics on CNN, reading the newspaper and especially dining out at Cracker Barrel.
She loved her family with a fierce passion! She enjoyed holiday dinners and traveling to family reunions. These gatherings were some of her happiest moments. She was blessed with a sharp memory and could take you back in time in such a vivid and captivating way that it made you feel like you were in the heart of her story. She had such an infectious laugh that brought joy to many.
Willa believed in looking her very best at all times. She loved donning fine clothing, matching shoes and purses, sporting show stopping hats and accessorizing with exquisite jewelry. She thoroughly enjoyed interior decorating. She kept her home in immaculate condition.
She loved working in the yard with William as they planted and rearranged her flowers. Year after year their manicured lawn received a neighborhood Beautification Award. They would proudly display it in their yard.
She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her sons, Anthony Dangerfield, of Boston, Massachusetts, Tracy (Dayna) Larkins Sr., Cincinnati, Ohio, grandchildren; Tracy Larkins Jr., Makayla Larkins, Siraj Richardson, James Sutton, Octavia Barry, Tanaha Bailey, Tieka Dangerfield, Trah’e Qualle; a host of great-grandchildren including Tre’mir Collin Larkins; brothers-in-law, Edward Sr. (Evalena) Larkin, Eufaula, Alabama, Johnny (Dessie), Ypsilanti, Michigan, Gary (Barbara) Larkin, Cincinnati, Ohio; A special God daughter: Shirley Jones; special cousins, Sadie Gandy, Alfonzo Lewis, and Richard Lewis; a special friend, Eunice Henderson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.