Who We Are
Our Story
Willoria Barnes-Miller
April 5, 1945 - December 1, 2001
Will’s Way, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit established in memory of Willoria “Mrs. Will" Barnes-Miller in 2011 by her daughter, Angela Barnes-Malone, for children from ages 3 to 18 years old. Willoria was one of eight children born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Her family moved from Chicago, Illinois and then to St. Louis, Missouri, when she was very young; she was educated in St. Louis Public Schools. In 1976, she married Leroy Miller.
Willora’s faith was strong and legendary starting with being born again and baptized, joining church, serving on the usher board, the health unit and the pastor aid, and being an overall willing worker. She was an altruistic, optimistic, trustworthy, energetic, loving leader and Christian. Her favorite book was the Holy Bible.
To those who did not know her well, she may have appeared to be an ordinary woman, but she was loved by many. Her life was, by no means, an easy one, but still she was exceptional in every way. She devoted her life to her five children: Barbara, Carolyn, Thomas, Angela, and Donzell. She made a way for her impoverished family by working as a daycare provider. Her doors were always open, embracing the neighborhood children. She organized block parties, planned family events, including annual family reunions, and was a phenomenal cook that often sold dinners to assist with household expenses. During her failing health, she always remained cheerful, and never complained; she continued to do the small things that had great impact on families’ lives.
A quote by 17th Century writer and preacher, John Bunyan, describes Willoria’s life: “You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”
Continuing the Legacy of Willoria Barnes-Miller
After the passing of her mother, Willoria Barnes-Miller, Angela Barnes-Malone decided to channel her grief into something to both honor her mother’s life and keep her memory alive. During Willoria’s illness Angela often accompanied her to the office of her physician, and because she was being treated for diabetes and high blood pressure, the doctor’s recommendation of eating healthy was frequently discussed. So, Angela decided to create a non-profit about healthy lifestyles in memory of her mother, Willoria. Just like Michelle Obama, Angela believed that by reducing childhood obesity, children could grow up healthier, and not have to experience the debilitating illnesses from which her mother suffered. Through Will’s Way, Inc., parents will receive helpful information that supports making healthy choices and promotes physically active families. When speaking about her motivation for founding Will’s Way, Angela said, “We all must work together to reduce childhood obesity, including parents, caregivers, schools, as well as faith-based and community-based organizations. Everyone has a key role to ensure a healthy future for our children.”