“To everything there is a season and a time to reflect on every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

A Time To Be Born

Willa Mae Austin Witherspoon, the first daughter blessed to the late Deacon Trim Edward Austin and the late Deaconess Idella Williams Austin, was born on October 28, 1930, at Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, New Jersey. She was raised in a loving, close-knit family alongside her siblings: her late brother, James Edward Austin, and her late sister, Helen Irene Ganges. Her sister, Mary Louise Holloway, is the last surviving sibling.

Willa began her formal education at Palmyra High School, where she was inducted into the National Honor Society. She went on to study at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on scholarship, and also received a scholarship to attend a summer hockey camp at Friends’ Select School in Philadelphia. Known for her keen sense of style, fashion, and elegance, Willa carried these qualities throughout her life and work.

She later attended and graduated from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Art Education. During her time at Morgan State, she was an initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1951, a member of the choir, earned Dean’s List honors, and was selected by the Dean of Women to serve as a Senior Mentor. Willa began her professional career in education, teaching art at Douglas High School in Baltimore, Maryland.

Willa was united in Holy Matrimony to Robert Louis Witherspoon, and together they were blessed with two children: her dearest son, Ali Hakim Witherspoon, and a cherished daughter, Kenya Purnell. Her greatest joy was her family, which later grew to include her beautiful granddaughter, Kimora Kira Williams. Willa loved her children with all of her being and all of her existence.

A Time To Serve

Willa was raised in the Evergreen Baptist Church, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the age of fifteen. She was baptized at First Nazarene Baptist Church in Camden, New Jersey, under the pastorate of Rev. Roscoe Devauraux, as Evergreen Baptist Church did not have a baptismal pool at the time. Deeply committed to her faith, she later graduated from the Bethany Baptist Association Bible Training Institute in Bordentown, New Jersey.

Willa’s dedication to church service was extensive and unwavering. She faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher and was an active member of the Baptist Young People’s Union (BYPU), Junior Choir, Inspirational Chorus, Flower Club, Hospitality Club, Scholarship Committee, Black History Committee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program Committee, Church Anniversary Committees, Women’s Ministry, and the John Sheepfold. She also served as Chairperson of Women’s Day and Family and Friends Day, chaired two drama production fundraisers for the church building fund, and sponsored an annual “Youth on Parade” event featuring high school fraternities and sororities.

Her passion for uplifting young people extended beyond the church walls. Willa founded the high school sorority Beta Phi Psi, created to support college-bound young women from Palmyra, Riverton, Cinnaminson, Riverside, Beverly, Pennsauken, Delair, Moorestown, and Camden, New Jersey. From its inception, more than 150 students participated in the program, which was a testament to the lasting and positive impact she had on the lives of countless youth.

Willa’s community involvement was equally far-reaching. She was a charter member of the Teenettes Club, a member of the Monarchs Club, and a member of the Varitones (Expressions Chorale). She served as Vice President of the Palmyra High School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and was an active member of the Mothers Club supporting Palmyra Little League football and baseball teams. In recognition of her dedication to youth and athletics, she was inducted into the Palmyra High School Athletic Hall of Fame and later served on its Selection Committee.

Professionally, Willa enjoyed a distinguished career with the federal government, retiring from the United States Defense Personnel Support Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a Systems Analyst. During her tenure, she served as President of the International Toastmasters Club, tutored elementary school students, and participated in Bible study. Her outstanding service was recognized with two engraved replicas of the historic Philadelphia Liberty Bell.

Never content to stop serving, Willa re-entered the workforce following her early federal retirement, dedicating herself once again to education as a paraprofessional and certified substitute teacher in the Camden School District. She was also a proud member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Through her faith, leadership, and tireless service, Willa influenced many lives and left behind a legacy of compassion, excellence, and unwavering commitment to others.

Willa was a proud Life Member and Pearl Soror, which is 74 years of being a member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was initiated into Alpha Delta Chapter at Morgan State University in 1951. She later joined Rho Theta Omega Alumni Chapter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she faithfully served with distinction. Her sorority was a constant source of pride, purpose, and inspiration throughout her life. One of her greatest joys was seeing her legacy continue when her daughter and granddaughter also became her Sorors.

In addition to her sorority involvement, Willa was a Life Member of the Philadelphia/New Jersey Chapter of the Morgan State University Alumni Association.

A Time To Mourn

On Friday, December 19, 2025, our Heavenly Father called Willa Mae Austin Witherspoon home to eternal rest. Cherishing her precious memories are her beloved children, the apple of her eye, daughter Kenya Purnell and son-in-law John, her adored son, Ali Hakim Witherspoon and daughter-in-law Beth; her heart’s joy, granddaughter Kimora Kira Williams; her caring grandson John M. Purnell IV, and her dearest sister, Mary L. Holloway.

She is also lovingly remembered by her special niece, Charlene Ganges, her esteemed nephews, Kevin L. Holloway and Derek L. Holloway, great nieces, Nyia Lewis, A’yahna Holloway, and Denise Hunter; her great nephews, Derek L. Holloway Jr., Kameron Holloway, and Jaden Davis, and her special family friends, Gina Hutchinson and Lena Birkhead.

Willa’s life was further enriched by her “adopted” daughters: Lehronda Upshur, Paige J. Charles, Makeba Myers, Angela Mitchell, Kim Wood, Terri Stigler, Desiree Reaves, Keenya Yarbrough, Lisa Bell, Lisa Price, and Laneise Foxworth. She is also fondly remembered by her longtime friend and mentor, Rev. Dr. Guy Campbell Jr., along with her devoted sorority sisters, extended family, and all of her brothers and sisters in Christ, including her cherished church family.

Her comfort care team was dedicated to the end. We want to thank Bayada Home Healthcare Services caregivers, Winifred Doffoh and Abigail Burgos. Abigail took care of her for over eight years. Angels that were sent to care for her were: Martha Morales, Terri Stigler, Debra Phillips, Sharon Peterson, Tracii Proctor, Natasha Iddeen, and her family.

She leaves a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.