1 jan 1953 ano - Gloria Willis

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Gloria Willis was born on October 31, 1931, in Ennis, Texas, to the parents of Cleo and John Alexander. She attended A.J. Moore High School in Waco, Texas. After graduation, Willis enrolled in Huston-Tillotson University, a private historically black college located in Austin, Texas, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1952. She decided to further her education by attending Kansas State University, earning a master's degree in 1977. She met and married Russell Willis, and from their union, had a beautiful daughter named Sonya.

In 1953, Willis began her career as a second-grade teacher at Hawthorne Elementary in Kansas City, Kansas. She started her tenure during segregation and helped lead in the school district's transition to desegregation. Early on, Willis knew her leadership capability for being a catalyst to implement change. She desired to guide as many youths possible toward success by creating opportunities to pursue their goals and dreams. Willis encouraged parental and neighborhood involvement to help meet various needs, being strategic in her approach as a community-building advocate. Over the years, she faced innumerable challenges, worked many late nights, and continued to strive for others' betterment.

Willis taught at five different elementary schools for over 18 years. After a year as principal at Grant Elementary, she transferred to Quindaro Elementary, where she was principal for 13 years. She was also a "Title 1" consultant and later president of the Board of Education, providing sound judgment and insight. Willis served in education for over five decades. She has been called the mother of the KCK school district.

In 2004, Willis was inducted into the Mid-America Hall of Fame at the Kansas City, Kansas Community College. In 2006, she received the FOX 4 Crystal Apple Award. On September 27, 2019, Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools celebrated Gloria Willis Middle School's opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

For Willis, faith and church participation were an essential part of life. She was a dedicated member of Trinity A.M.E. Church for over 60 years, participating in the Gospel Choir, Stewardess Board, Trustee Board, and the Women's Missionary Society. She was also involved in other organizations, including City Vision Ministries, Shepherd's Center, Wyandotte Center, and the Women's Chamber of Commerce.

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