Tempie Willis

Mrs. Tempie M. Willis, a longtime Bartow resident and business owner, passed away from respiratory failure Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She was 71. Tempie worked at Angela's Hair Salon at the old Bartow Mall for 8 years before opening her own business in 1975. Tempie was the owner and operator of Tempie's Beauty Salon in Bartow for 24years, before closing in 1999. During her years at her shop, as she called it, she studied and became an ordained minister. She performed weddings, attended revivals and visited many churches throughout Polk County. Tempie had a big heart and would do without to make sure other people have, and she did without many times. She would never complain or ask for help. People that met her would never forget her because of a certain persona she had. After closing her business, she moved to Lakeland to be with her kids and grandkids, as she called them. Her grandchildren were her life and she "loved them very much and without fail," she liked to bragg. She is preceded in death by her husband, Milton L. Willis. She is survived by her two sons- Leroy Willis (Tammy) and Robert L. Willis, both of Lakeland; sister- Pearl Godwin of Lancaster CA; granddaughter- Tempie Tillman (Joe) of Bartow; four grandsons- Jason Willis (Tonya) of Camp Pendleton, CA, Leroy Willis III, Justin L. Willis, and Leslie R. Willis all of Lakeland two great grandchildren- Robert Tillman, and Tyler J. Willis. Family will receive friends Wed., Feb. 28, 2007 from 6PM to 8PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Services for Mrs. Willis will be held Thurs., March 1, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the funeral home chapel. She will be greatly missed by all, but not forgotten, especially by her family. "Momma was always true to her word. Last but not least, Momma was always right. We are all proud of her."