Willie Lee Spann

Mr. Willie Lee Spann, 81 of South Bend, Indiana, departed his life on Friday January 24, 2025 at 10:20 P.M. surrounded by his loving family. Willie was born to the union of Arthur Allen McGee and Sylvester Spann in Bemis, Tennessee on April 23, 1943. His grandfather, Frank J. Spann was a great influence in his life.  Willie graduated from East High School in Jackson, Tennessee in 1961. Shortly after graduating he relocated to Alton, Illinois to obtain employment with a Construction company. While in Alton, he met and married Debra (Ross) Spann. To this union two daughters, Doris Ann and Azelea Monique Spann were born.

In June of 1971 Willie relocated to South Bend where he met, and later married the love of his life, Joyce Jones; together they shared a blended family. He professed his love and hope in Christ at an early age and Willie carried his love for Christ throughout his lifetime. He became a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Willie V. Williams and served as a Trustee. In later years Willie became a member of New Life Fellowship Ministry under the leadership of Apostle Charles Harris.

Willie was employed with the Construction Union for 12 years where he had the opportunity to partake in building the former Scottsdale Mall, Kennedy and Brown Schools, the Century Center as well as several halls on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. After leaving the construction industry, Willie went to work at A M General from where he retired after 28 years of employment.

Willie enjoyed spending Sundays at the home of his aunt, the late Francis Lee, "Subae” as they would call her. He would spend time sharing their versions of family stories with his uncles and brothers. Willie had a passion for sports, and he was an avid softball and baseball player; he was a bowler and later became a golfer until his health declined. Willie enjoyed golf so much and quickly mastered it. He always aimed and got the W among those he played; just ask his brother-in-law, Jimmy. Willie also enjoyed singing as well as listening to the blues. On his 80th birthday, family and friends had the opportunity to share special memories as Willie danced to one of his favorite Blues songs.  

Willie was the perfect example of a great man. If being “A Great Man,” had a face, it would definitely show his. He wouldn’t hesitate to assist those in need whether it was family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors or strangers.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of more than 53 years, Joyce Spann; a daughter, Azelea Monique Spann (Yahaya Abdallah) of Chicago, Illinois; a son, Morrell (Takarra) Jones of South Bend; grandchildren, Jarrell Williams and Brandon Middleton of Rockford, Illinois; Martell (Ashley) Black of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Morrell Jr., Dana (Joseph) Mcleod, Brooke, Pia Raphael, Miguel,  Dante, Joycelyn, Nor'relia, Mykell, Ta'riah Jones and Davion House, all of South Bend; 38 great grandchildren; a special niece, Lisa Woods-McNeal; his sisters, Diane Morris of Jackson; Donna Williamson, Constance Ramsey, Kathy Kimber, Sharon (Rodney) Marbury and Robin Johnson all of Knoxville, Tennessee; sisters in law, Maxine (John) Simmons of Chicago, Illinois; Paulette Jones of Norfolk, Virginia;  sister in law/daughter, Hortense Jones of South Bend; his brothers, Waddell Spann also of South Bend; Larry (Linda) Morris of Jackson, Tennessee; Michael McGhee of Nashville, Tennessee; brothers-in-law, Akeem Saawu of Indianapolis, Indiana; Larry and Jimmy Jones both of South Bend; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Allen McGee and Sylvester Spann Morris and bonus father, Robert Morris; his daughter, Doris Ann Spann; son Maurice Crumbley; his sisters Earline Woods-Shuford and Loraine Summers and brothers, David Woods, Winston Spann, James and Rick McGee.

“So, with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22

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