Willa Ray Hassell

WILLA RAY HASSELL was born on April 2, 1933 in Parmele, NC. She suddenly departed this life on February 11, 2018. She was born to the late Richard and Etta Humphrey Little and is the youngest of 14 siblings who preceded her in death; Leroy, Bessie, Minnie, Geneva, Clara, Mamie, Verna, Richard, Christine, Tom, Velma, Marion, and Dallas Ray, her twin. Willa Ray was a graduate of W.C. Chance High School in Parmele, North Carolina. In 1952 she moved to Baltimore, Maryland and on August 12, 1953, James Edward Hassell (affectionately "Jimmy") and Willa Ray were united in matrimony. From this union, Ronald, affectionately "Ronnie", Renee and Michelle were born Ronnie preceded her in death. Willa Ray worked in the Baltimore City Public School System and in the evenings attended night studies at Coppin State University. Willa Ray joined Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church during the 1960's and was a member of the Sanctuary Choir. She loved the Lord, studied the Bible daily and was a dedicated church member who participated in various committees. In 1976, Willa Ray retired from the Baltimore City Public School System to become a devoted homemaker. During the weekdays, she lovingly cared for her grandchildren. She enjoyed transporting them to school, helping with their studies and caring for them, which later continued with her great-grandchildren. Willa Ray passionately cared for family and extended family. She had a kind heart, genuinely loved children and is known for her charitable giving to under-privileged kids. Family meant everything to Willa Ray. At family events she was known as the family member who always had her camera and captured memorable moments that created lifelong memories for everyone. Not only did Willa Ray style Renee, Michelle and her grandchildren's hair, she also styled extended family members hair, as well. Willa Ray was very fashionable and loved shopping. She enjoyed shopping sprees, specifically the Reading, Pennsylvania outlets. Willa Ray's other hobbies included sewing, cooking, and talking and laughing on the phone with longtime friends and family. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years; daughters, Renee Hassell Harris (Ellis) and Michelle Hassell Funn (Michael); grandchildren Latika Hassell Noel (Kevin) and Rekeia Hassell, Courtney Glasgow, David Mayfield; great-grandchildren, Tylah McCray, Logan Davis, Curtis Streat, Jr. (affectionately Poppie), and Ryland Holloway; sister-in-law, Callie Hassell; daughter-in-law, Pamela Mayfield; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Tributes

Willa Ray Hassell

April 2, 1933 - February 11, 2018