Allenstine Druscilla Willis
<p>Mrs. Allenstine Willis, widow of Chief Clifford J. Willis, has passed. </p><p>“Sparky,” as she was affectionately known, was born to Norman and Leila Sparks of New York City. She attended Hartford Public schools. She was a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, Central Connecticut State University, and student at Yale School of Nursing. She began her career as a bacteriologist for the Connecticut Department of Public Health. She was among the first African Americans employed as a public health scientist for the state. Upon her marriage, she continued her career as a science teacher in the New Britain Public School system. Together with Clifford, she raised three children- Clifford Jr., Monica, and David.</p><p> Allenstine was always an advocate for community advancement through education, civil rights, and justice. Her active membership and leadership roles in The New Britain chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), NAACP, Connecticut Democratic Women, American Association of University Women (AAUW)and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated supported these values. In 1950, she was a founding member of the first Connecticut chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha-Epsilon Omicron Omega- in Hartford. She enjoyed patronizing the visual and performing Arts. Family and friends were able to share these interests as she organized bus trips to New York City and Boston to attend live theater, concerts, and tour historic museums.</p><p>Her legacy continues through the lives of her family, friends, and former students.</p><p>Her Celebration of Life will be on Saturday March 2, 2024, at the New Britain Museum of American Art 56 Lexington Street at noon.</p><p>In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial donations to: Foundation for Educational Opportunities, Incorporated, PO Box 135, Hartford Ct.06141-0135, Johnson C. Smith University, In Memory of Allenstine D. Willis, Institutional Advancement, 100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28216. </p><p>To share a memory of Allenstine or to express condolences to the Willis Family, please visit www.shakerfuneralhome.com.</p><p><br></p>Obituary
Mrs. Allenstine Willis, widow of Chief Clifford J. Willis, has passed.
“Sparky,” as she was affectionately known, was born to Norman and Leila Sparks of New York City. She attended Hartford Public schools. She was a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, Central Connecticut State University, and student at Yale School of Nursing. She began her career as a bacteriologist for the Connecticut Department of Public Health. She was among the first African Americans employed as a public health scientist for the state. Upon her marriage, she continued her career as a science teacher in the New Britain Public School system. Together with Clifford, she raised three children- Clifford Jr., Monica, and David.
Allenstine was always an advocate for community advancement through education, civil rights, and justice. Her active membership and leadership roles in The New Britain chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), NAACP, Connecticut Democratic Women, American Association of University Women (AAUW)and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated supported these values. In 1950, she was a founding member of the first Connecticut chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha-Epsilon Omicron Omega- in Hartford. She enjoyed patronizing the visual and performing Arts. Family and friends were able to share these interests as she organized bus trips to New York City and Boston to attend live theater, concerts, and tour historic museums.
Her legacy continues through the lives of her family, friends, and former students.
Her Celebration of Life will be on Saturday March 2, 2024, at the New Britain Museum of American Art 56 Lexington Street at noon.
In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial donations to: Foundation for Educational Opportunities, Incorporated, PO Box 135, Hartford Ct.06141-0135, Johnson C. Smith University, In Memory of Allenstine D. Willis, Institutional Advancement, 100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28216.
To share a memory of Allenstine or to express condolences to the Willis Family, please visit www.shakerfuneralhome.com.
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