Family, friends, and church members from across the country gathered in April to celebrate Ruby Willis-Williams’ 100th birthday, sharing memories and milestones, and looking forward to creating more in the future. There are many accomplishments in her life to commemorate: retired correctional officer at Statesville, and the first female sergeant in Illinois; Will County election judge; charter member of the Joliet Chapter of the National Hook-Up of Black Women; dedicated civil rights activist; advocate for the first Head Start program in Joliet; recipient of the Joliet Rotary Club Silver Eagle Award; and a member of Second Baptist Church since 1945, serving as usher and Sunday School teacher.
When asked to describe the secret to her longevity, Ms. Ruby said, “I’m blessed! I have been a servant of the Lord.” She also remarked that she has taken care of herself and her health.
Her greatest achievement, however, may be the faith, love, and work ethic she instilled in her children and grandchildren.
Her grandson, Joliet attorney Eric Mitchell, recalls that spending one-on-one time with her was a highlight of his childhood. “She loves ice cream, and when she’d pick me up from school and we’d go to Dairy Queen. Just the two of us.”
Ruby Lee Willis-Williams (née Stennis) was born on April 21, 1923, in Shuqualak (Sugar Lock), Mississippi to parents Edgar and Hallie Stennis. Just seven years later as the Great Depression swept the nation, her family relocated to East St Louis, Illinois in search of better opportunities. In 1945 at the age of 22, she struck out on her own and moved to Joliet.
She met and married Mac Willis, Sr, and they welcomed five children: Robert, Mac, Jr., Terrill, Zandra and Rubenia. For Ruby, there was no greater joy or responsibility than raising her family. She was instrumental in helping to raise her 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
At Ruby’s centennial celebration, family members spoke of her deep faith in God, and how that faith sustained her through everything, good and bad. She was born into a world where Black women had no social, economic, or political power, but she refused to be silenced or held back by her race or gender. She blazed a trail for others to follow.
“My grandmother instilled in me the importance of really making a difference in people’s lives,” attorney Mitchell said. “That after the moments of passion and protest, you have to be willing to do the work, and keep doing it. That’s how to move the needle. That’s how real transformation happens.”
