Jodi Willis

Jodi Leigh Willis was born on November 29, 1977, in Denver, Colorado to Yanina "Nina" Willis and David L. Sanders. She was the first born in the family. She was blessed to have a brother, Jeremy and sisters, Nikhole, Coressia, Davin, Denea and Daja. Growing up, Jodi enjoyed playing school where she was the teacher and Bobbie was her student. She also enjoyed styling hair, roller skating, racing with the neighborhood children, sewing, dancing, singing and watching scary movies but she didn't like going to haunted houses. Jodi received her formal education in Denver and graduated from Manual High School on June 1, 1996. She furthered her education by earning an Associate's Degree from the Community College of Aurora on May 2, 2004. She continued her academic study and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice on May 17, 2008, from Columbia College in Aurora and in May of 2010, she earned her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Capella University. Many of Jodi's professors were so impressed with her positive attitude and comprehensive knowledge would always encourage her to continue her education and earn her Doctorate in the study of Criminal Justice. By profession, Jodi was employed by Aurora Mental Health as a Case Manager for the Mentally Disabled. She is remembered as being hardworking, dedicated and a delight to work around. She is also remembered for addressing Supervisors and Managers using the proper etiquette of respect and never by first names. She was one who would go that extra mile to ensure that her clients were being cared for properly. She remembered her co-workers birthdays and would give gifts to them at Christmas. Jodi was one who would not just meet the standard but exceeded them in all that was said and done. A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Jodi accepted the Lord as her personal savior and was baptized in Zion Baptist Church, when she was five years old, under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Wendell T. Liggins. She has served her church and the Lord as a member of the Children's Choir under the direction of Sister Marilyn Norman and Sister Betty Collier. She truly loved her church and the fellowship shared with her church family. Nina reflects that Jodi was a major influence and support in the care and well-being of her brother, Jeremy. The bond shared by the two of them was undeniable and the love was unconditional. She took him to his swimming lessons at the YMCA, took him for his first haircut, taught him to ride his bike, and to tie his shoes. She took him to basketball, and flag football practices. She would sometimes look at him with a frowned smile when Jeremy would remind her that she was not "the mommy." Jodi would just continue to dress him in his cute matching outfits and tennis shoes. At Christmas time, the sibling rivalry would be most evident, as both Jodi and Jeremy would count their gifts and see whose boxes were the biggest. Jodi also had a pet chow that she adopted at four months old. She named her Precious. In every sense of the word, precious was her child. They both loved each other vehemently. Jodi would always say, "If she was feeling down in spirit, precious would come lay by her side and offer her comfort." Jodi was a fun loving person, who enjoyed life and those she encircled. In her free time, she loved reading the Bible and talking to the Lord in prayer. She continued to sew and enjoyed working with the elderly. She was a fan of soap operas and shopping for tennis shoes and purses. She carried a jovial personality and loved going to the nail shop on Fridays to get a manicure and pedicure. She would often tell her friends, my grandmother Sanders would always say, "get up, comb your hair, put on some lipstick, and wear some earrings." She was a die-hard Bronco fan and supported them win or lose. Her favorite color was red and favorite holiday was Christmas. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful lady. To know Jodi was to love her. She is preceded in death by her stepfather, Leslie Duke. Jodie Leigh Willis quietly passed away on July 21, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her mother, Nina D. Duke of Aurora; her father, David L. Sanders of Houston, Texas; one brother, Jeremy D. Willis of Aurora; sisters, Nicole Munnerlyn, Coressia Sanders both of Denver, Davin D. Sanders, Denea D. Sanders, Daja L. Sanders, all of Houston, TX; her grandmother, Sherlynne Willis; her aunts, Yolanda S. Furgason, and Donna Sanders all of Denver; her great aunt and uncle, Deaconess Alma D. and Joseph Johnson, Jr. of Denver; her Godmother, Debbie F. Griffie of Denver; her pet, Precious and a host of cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 7/30/2015 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 7/31/2015 at 12:00 PM - Zion Baptist Church - 933 East 24th Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 7/31/2015 - Immediately Following the Celebration of Life Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 7/30/2015 at 6:00 PM Solace Committee Pipkin Braswell Reception Center - 2428 Ogden Street, Denver, CO