Obituary

Mrs. Ferdine Willis transitioned to everlasting glory on the afternoon of Monday, August 5, 2024.

Visitation for Mrs. Willis will be held on Friday, August 16, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 11:00 a.m., at Friendship Church, 1709 North Madison Ave, Tulsa, OK 74106.

Mrs. Willis will be laid to rest at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery on Monday, August 19, at 1:30 p.m.

The Chapters of her life,

Ferdine’s life fulfilled

In the quiet echoes of our hearts, where grief and love intertwine, we come together to remember a soul that graced our lives with her presence. Ferdine Willis was more than a name, she was a symphony of laughter, a refuge in times of storm, and a pillar of unwavering love.

Ferdine often joked about chronicling her life’s achievements in a book- a wish that we now fulfill, knowing, she’s smiling down from heaven!  For those who knew her best knew she wasn’t shy, she doted on those she loved, and she was determined to achieve greatness in everything she put her hands to.

The first chapter of Ferdine’s book began on March 20^th, 1934, born to Odelia Hyche and Lawrence Baines in Porter, Oklahoma. She was one of eight children, and the eldest daughter. Ferdine’s family lived in a modest two-bedroom home near the swamp in Tallahassee, Oklahoma. One day as her sisters were playing in their backyard, an alligator swooped out of the water and barely missed biting Ferdine! Can you imagine living in these conditions? But if it wasn’t for God’s protective hand, there wouldn’t be a story to tell! As a young adult, Ferdine moved to Portland, Oregon to stay with her aunt and Uncle, to help provide for her family.  She would come to visit her mother and siblings dressed in the finest clothing, lavishing them with food, clothes and gifts. Even at a young age, she had an unwavering dedication to family.

The second chapter of Ferdine’s journey unveils her most cherished treasures and precious gems: Her children, and grandchildren. Ferdine met and married Augustus “Sparky” Harbert.  Unfortunately, this marriage didn’t last, but God graced this union with two sons: Augustus and Alphonzo Harbert. Later, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Ferdine found love anew with Otis Willis. A marriage that endured and lasted over 52 years! To this union, Ferdine gained two bonus sons: David and Gary, and the apple of her eye; her daughter Cojuan!  Her nurturing embrace extended to her grandchildren – Deon, Erica, Charity, and Jamaya – these grandchilren she helped raise with boundless affection.

The third chapter continues with her perseverance and “go getter” mentality. Ferdine had a true entrepreneurial spirit and was a true example of the quote given by Kobe Bryant’s teacher Mr. Fisk, which said “Rest at the end, not in the middle!”  In the early 1960s, Ferdine worked as a maid for a wealthy family. The family recognized her talent stemmed beyond scrubbing floors, so they sponsored her to attend cosmetology school under the tutelage of Lucile Troupe (an accredited Madam CJ Walker agent).  Ferdine excelled as a shining pupil and graduated from Troupe’s Beauty College located on Greenwood in the renowned historic Black Wall Street District.  Afterwards, she began her journey to entrepreneurship with her cosmetology business, originally housed in her garage.  There would be customers lined up in her living room for hours waiting to get a jerry curl, perm, or haircut to make them feel beautiful.  Expanding her venture, she acquired neighboring property, introduced new services, and incorporated her daughter, son and others into the business.  Soon she expanded again and leased a store front in the North Ridge shopping center, and affectionately named the business CoJui’s Beauty and Barber Salon.  Her stellar achievement garnered recognition from the Oklahoma Eagle, solidifying her success and her status as a leading figure for the Tulsa Community.  Propelled by an unyielding pursuit of her dreams, Ferdine founded a second business entitled CoJui’s Hat and Fashion Boutique.  Ferdine became a stalwart in Tulsa and abroad known for hair styles, and fashion.   She had a dream and let nothing stand in her way.

The fourth chapter reveals the relationship between Mother and Daughter, her “ride or die,” her business partner, the namesake of both of her businesses her daughter; Cojuan. From a tender age adorned with pigtails, Cojuan stood by Ferdine’s side, imbibing her mother’s expertise. Ferdine molded her daughter to become as fierce a Cosmetologist as she was.  They both reaped the fruits of their labor, working side by side for over 25 years together.

The fifth chapter reveals her faith.  Ferdine gave her life to the Lord as a young woman.  She devoted herself to various ministries while serving in the church and emerged as a prayer warrior.  She had a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the scriptures in the bible. Ferdine was a guiding light to young women, a safe haven for many children, and a revered community leader.

The sixth chapter reveals Ferdine’s diverse talents, showcasing her versatility as a “jack of all trades”.  She thrived and took joy in carpentry work, interior design, and she loved creating intricate flower arrangements.  She was also known to frequent her favorite stores Big Lots, and NBC eager to catch a good deal.  If she saw you sitting around idol, she would find something for you to do.  You may be scrubbing walls, baseboards, cleaning mirrors, it didn’t matter!  Ferdine loved to dress up.  Whenever she stepped out of the door she dressed with a flair, exemplifying her unique sense of style! She was one of the true Fashionista’s.

Final chapter: On August 5, 2024, at 1:00pm, a golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands went to rest, God placed his mighty arms around her and whispered, “Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou have been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord- Matthew 25: 21”.

The family seeks solace in knowing Ferdine is with our Lord & Savior and joining all the family members who are in Heaven excited to welcome her! “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing there will be, when we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout victory!”

Ferdine is predeceased by her parents Odelia Hyche and Lawrence Baines, her beloved husband, Otis Willis, son, Augustas Harbert (Sheila), brothers: Cecil Baines (Jean), Thomas Hyche, Eugene Hyche, Caldwell Hyche, James Hyche, sisters: Nadine Buyckes, Alethea Johnson, Doretha Thomas

Ferdine leaves to cherish her memory, her son Alphonzo Harbert, daughter Cojuan Henderson (Dwayne), sisters: Victoria Lennox, and Shirley Marshall; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great -grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.