This week, The Grenada Star spotlights Bobbie Willis of Grenada.
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on Jan 29, 1974, in Coffeeville.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I attended Coffeeville High School.
Q: Where all have you lived?
A: I have lived in Coffeeville, Lorman and Grenada
Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.
A: I recently retired from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, the department of interiors. My main job was being the office administration. I completed purchase orders and made agreements with landowners. I also sold hunting and fishing permits.
Q: What led you to your profession?
A: I majored in agricultural business management. With my major, I thought this job would go well with my degree. The company was looking for someone, so I applied for the job and here I am 24 years later retiring from there. I worked for the Rural Development for two years before I changed jobs.
Q: What did you enjoy most about your job?
A: I enjoyed the people. It was a family atmosphere and that made it so easy to get up and go to work. I enjoyed getting up and going to work every day.
Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked at Coffeeville High School working in their summer program. We would clean rooms and pick up trash. It was just a young person job.
Q: Who is the person who has been most influential in your life?
A: I would have to say my Godmother, Sarah Martin. She taught me everything regarding the ministry. I am an ordained elder and pastor and I have her to thank for that. She took me under her wings and taught me everything I needed to know as far as the Bible and how to be respectful and how to trust God no matter what. I have a legacy to continue to carry on.
Q: If you could relive one day from your life, what day would you choose?
A: I would like to relive having my children over again. That would be a wonderful blessing because I love them so. They grow up so fast.
Q: What is your spouse’s name? What does he do for a living?
A: My husband’s name is Ronnie Layne Willis Sr. and he is the City of Grenada fire chief.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have two children. My son’s name is Ronnie Willis Jr., but we just call him R.J., and my daughter’s name is Gabrielle Alea Willis.
Q: If you could have anything for your last meal on earth, what would it be?
A: There are so many things, but I would have to say candied yams. They are so good.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I have been to Hawaii and that was my top choice, but my second would have to be London, England.
Q: What hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I enjoy being a pastor. I still enjoy getting to do mom duties for the kids and spending time with my family. I enjoy helping in the community and I love being a part of the different clubs in Grenada.
Q: What do you enjoy about living and working in Grenada?
A: The commute from my home to town is just right. Grenada is filled with wonderful people who are here to make Grenada better.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone from your life or history, who would it be and why?
A: I would have to say Oprah Winfrey because she and I share the same birthday.
Q: Would you rather read a good book or watch a good movie and why?
A: I would rather watch a good movie because to me it relaxes my mind.
Q: What moment in your life has had the biggest impact on you?
A: Surviving lymphoma cancer. My father passed away from cancer and I had a brother and sister pass away of cancer, too. I fought and beat cancer, so to me that made a huge impact on me.
Q: What would be the No. 1 thing on your Bucket List?
A: I have a friend in Switzerland, so I think I would love to go there and visit with her, and let her show me around.
Q: If you could describe your morals in three words, what would they be?
A: Respectful. Faithful. Spiritual.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I would like to be remembered as a God-fearing woman that loved people and loved helping people in her community.
~ By Mandy Ayers
