Lovie M. Johnson-Willis was born on October 20, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri to Calvin & Goldie Johnson. Lovie confessed a hope in Christ at a young age uniting with Southern Mission Baptist Church.

Lovie received her education in East St. Louis School District #189. She united in holy matrimony to Nathaniel Willis.

Lovie is preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Willis; her parents, Calvin and Goldie Johnson; her brother, Earl Kimble; two sisters, Delores Hopkins and Norma Washington.

Lovie departed this life on January 20, 2025 . She leaves to cherish her loving memory five sons, Willie Rushing, Frederic (Alma) Rushing, Tony Rushing, Donald (Lydia) Rushing, and Perry Rushing; one daughter, Stella (Lonnie) Williams; 6 sisters, Sandra Johnson, Brenda McGee, Sherry Johnson, Earline Towns, Renee Andrews, and Deborah Burrage; one brother, Earl Johnson, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.