Willette L. Banner

Willette was born March 1, 1943, in Bastrop, La, the parish of Morehouse, to parents of Magdaline Odom and Shedric Johnson. She was their only biological daughter, but she shared the love of 12 cousins who were blessed to call her their sister. (Thanks to Leola and James Odom). To many people Willette was so special that her roles called for different names of affection (Mama, Let, Aunt Willette, Sista, Sister Banner, Mother Banner, Evangelist Banner, God mama, Grandma, Sis. Nichols, Mrs. Nichols and GiGi- Mama). She received Christ at the very young age of 7 years old while sitting on the mourner’s bench. She was baptized when she first received Christ. Under the leadership of Rev. H.E. Smith of St. Luke Baptist Church in Bonita, La. She attended Rosenwald elementary in Bonita, La. In her youthful days, she was an athlete on the Rosenwald basketball team. Afterwards she went to Union High in Mer Rouge, La and graduated from the class of 1961. She continued her education from Grambling College of Louisiana in Grambling, La. by receiving her B.S. degree in Elementary of Education. She also graduated Magna Cum Laude. (Honor Student). She didn’t stop there; Willette was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. After leaving Louisiana, she worked in the educational field in Chicago. Gresham elementary was her place of employment within the CPS family. There she taught many children, while bonding with other great educators. After all educational accomplishments, she met her future husband in Bonita, La. wearing a yellow dress that caught his eye. That year, she relocated to Chicago and joined Morning View M.B.C under the leadership of Rev. W. G. Smith and married Levell Nichols. To that union there were two children and five bonus children. Years later, Levell Nichols Sr. became pastor of Morning View M.B. C. with his wife being the 1st, Lady. They continued in ministry together until Rev. Levell Nichols Sr. passed in 1990. Not long after, through her journey, she re-married and also, she was ordained as Evangelist Willette Banner under the leadership of Bishop H.S. Singleton of New Macedonia M. B. C. Bastrop, La, in October 2004. As life continued, it was time for her to return and unite with Morning View Word Church under the leadership of Apostle Richard D. Holmes Sr. She lived with her children until she was called home by the Lord. There is a plethora of memories we share about Willette, just to list a few; She would ask anyone she met, “Do you know Jesus?” And if you don’t, you need to get to know Him. She was the best Sunday School teacher. She loved ministering to all ages. Each summer was her time to get everyone involved in Vacation Bible School. Her passion was baking cakes. She was a seamstress. She was an operatic soprano vocalist. And her saying was “To God Be the Glory!!”! Willette loved everyone. She told you, “God loves you, and I do too.” She sowed into many lives and organizations. She loved to travel, play tabletop Packman, Uno and Trouble. On March 29, 2026, at the age of 83, she was preceded in death by her mother and father her loving husband, the Reverend Levell Nichols Sr. Her bonus children Deborah, Levell Jr, Alonzo, Sr. and Andrew Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories, Christeen (Andra) Brown, Jerry Nichols Sr., Maxine (Harold) Nabors, all of Chicago, eight grandchildren; Constance Brown, Maurice (Stacey)Robinson, Alonzo (Tianna) Nichols Jr, Faith Nabors, Andrew (Amara) Nabors, Lovely Nichols, Jerry Nichols Jr., Laron Nichols. Ten great-great grandchildren; two God-children Harvey D. Thomas and Wanda (Zachary) Coleman; three sisters in – law Mable Stewart, Margaret Nichols, and Vacenta Ford-Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Willette L. Banner

March 1, 1943 - March 29, 2026