Beatrice Arlene Johnson and Willard Leverett Otis

WILLARD LEVERETT OTIS, son of OLIVE FRANCES LEVERETT and ERWIN JAMES OTIS, was born February 21, 1925 in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw, Michigan,⁴⁴³¹ and died March 11, 2009.⁴⁴³⁶

He married BEATRICE ARLENE JOHNSON on September 4, 1948 in Plymouth, Wayne, Michigan.⁴⁴³¹ She was born December 28, 1928 in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan,^{4431, 4717} and died October 21, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, Michigan.⁴⁷¹⁷

• Descendant Reports
  • Samuel Houston Descendant Report (Ancestor of Willard L. Otis)

Children of BEATRICE ARLENE JOHNSON and WILLARD LEVERETT OTIS:

1. Daughter
2. Son

Willard L. Otis

• was a US Army Veteran of World War II; Air Corps⁴⁴³⁶
• was an English teacher at Dearborn High School ⁴⁴³⁶
• was a member of the First Universalist Community, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, Michigan. ⁴⁴³⁶

Willard "Will" L. Otis

Born: February 21, 1925

Died: March 11, 2009

Ypsilanti, Michigan

Age 84

Otis, Willard Leverett

A son of extraordinary parents, Erwin and Olive Leverett Otis, was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on February 21, 1925. Immediately after graduating from Dearborn High School in 1943, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corp. He served with the Transport Carrier Command from 1943 to 1946, spending time in China and India. In 1946 he enrolled at Eastern Michigan University (then Michigan State Normal College). Will married Beatrice Johnson on September 4, 1948, while both were attending E.M.U. He earned three degrees from the University - a B.S. in 1951, a M.A. in Education in 1959 and a M.A. in Administration in 1966. For 36 years Will was an enthusiastic, talented and respected teacher in the English Department at Dearborn High School. He was Department Chair, Ski Club sponsor and Yearbook advisor. His teaching extended beyond classroom walls: He was a unique individual - a teacher in all walks of life. Always a positive, optimistic, joy-of-life person, Will became involved in many activities and organizations. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club (from which evolved the Safari Group), the Thursday Night Big Boys Tennis at Chippewa Racquet Club, and a Friday night poker group. He played nationally with the Ann Arbor YMCA volleyball team that won the 1961 Class "A" National championship. He was an avid fly fisherman with a circle of friends extending throughout Michigan. Will was a voracious reader and a member of the Friends of Library Board. He was a skilled woodworker and cabinet maker. Will was an award-winning photographer with the Downriver Creative Camera Club. With his wife, Bea, he enjoyed skiing, mountain hiking, camping, biking, travel, music and theater. After a life-long spiritual journey, Will found a home in The First Universalist Community of Ann Arbor. He enjoyed singing in the Unitarian choir. When Will was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992, he faced this unknown adversary with his towering physical presence and a quiet inner strength. Drawing upon resources of hope, courage and optimism, he continued to brighten lives, to touch hearts and to bring happiness to the lives of those around him. With limiting physical abilities, he expressed himself through drawing and painting, displaying a special aptitude and fondness for watercolor. But, first and foremost, Will was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife Bea shared a special bond. To her he dedicated a lifetime of trust, solid advice, labors of love, caring, devotion and encouragement. With his children, he built sandboxes, play houses, tree houses, stilts, cars and go-carts in the belief that play is of utmost importance throughout one's life. He gave his children the tools they needed to build their lives, the knowledge they needed to use the tools successfully, the encouragement to overcome obstacles and the confidence to take pride in a job well done. Willard Otis, who unselfishly gave himself throughout his entire life, will be greatly missed. The world is a better place because this strong, gentle, peaceful and caring man was a part of it. Will is survived by his wife, Beatrice; his children: Amy Lynn Otis (Walter) Lange, and David Kim (Susan Steketee) Otis: his grandchildren Jonathan and Andrew Lange, and Katie, Sarah, David and James Otis. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, E.J. Otis Jr. and Charles L. Otis. Plans for a celebration of Will's life are incomplete. Contributions in Will's memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, 21311 Civic Center Dr., Southfield, MI 48076-3911; or to the Ypsilanti Public Library, 5571 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Guest Book signing at janowiakfuneralhome.com⁴⁴³⁶

Ann Arbor News, October 24, 2016⁴⁷¹⁷

Otis, Beatrice Arlene (Johnson) 12/13/1928 - 10/21/2015 Ypsilanti Died peacefully at Arbor Hospice on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 several days after having a stroke. Born on December 13, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Arthur A. and Sarah M. (Farnsworth) Johnson. Bea graduated from Plymouth High School in 1946. She earned a B.A. in Secondary Education from Michigan State Normal College in 1950, a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1976 and a Masters degree in Social Foundations from EMU in 1979. She taught in the South Lyon School District, the Lincoln Consolidated School District and the Ypsilanti School District before retiring in 1992. Bea was an active member of many organizations. She was a Girl Scout leader, an Ozone House counselor, a member of Chippewa Racquet Club, and a Life Member of the Ladies Literary Club. She belonged to the AAUW, The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Phi Delta Kappa and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Bea was a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Ann Arbor. Bea is prededed in death by her husband and love of her life, Willard Leverett Otis. They were married on September 4, 1948 in Plymouth, Michigan and had a happy and joyous marriage for 60 years. Bea and Will were actively involved in the Ypsilanti community their entire married life. She is survived by her children, Amy Lynn Otis-Lange of Essex Jct., Vermont and David Kim Otis who lives in the Lansing area of Michigan. Bea was proud of her six grandchildren: W. Jonathan Lange, Andrew Lange, Katie Otis, Sarah Otis, David Otis and James Otis. Bea had many friends and interests. She enjoyed playing tennis, taking long distance bike trips, reading, traveling, hiking, skiing and playing bridge. She met regularly over many years with her early college friends in the "Third Saturday" group and with friends in her Wisdom Seeker and bridge groups. Her passions in life were children, fun, play, romance, beauty and creativity. Bea's creative spirit was evident in the historic home that she and Will lovingly restored throughout their marriage. No memorial service is planned. Bea requested that donations in her memory be made to the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103. Checks can be made out to UUAA.