Willie Lou Holton was born in Chicago, Illinois, 
on September 2, 1948, to Ruby Gaines and Cascle Holton. 
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; 
stepfather, William Kursh; and grandson, Jerell Plase. She 
was affectionately known as “Theade,” “Wendy,” and “Ms. 
Holton.”
She attended Manley Upgrades Center, John Marshall High 
School, and Malcolm X College, where she earned her degree 
in early childhood development. She worked several jobs. At 
Lutheran Family Mission Daycare Center she was a teacher 
and was later promoted to director, and she also worked for 
Home of Life Daycare Center as a teacher.
Willie accepted the Lord and was baptized at an early age; 
she attended Holy Temple Community Church of God under 
Pastor L.A. Owens. She loved spending time with her family, 
shopping, talking on the phone, baking, crossword puzzles, 
cooking, and helping others.
On September 3, 2022, Willie made her transition. 
Willie leaves to cherish her memory: three kids, Trina Plase, 
John Plase, and Anthony Holton; eight grandchildren, 
Germaine Plase, Desiree Harris, Deonta Plase, Cyaira Plase, 
Deantwaan Holton (Vanessa), A’Leiya Holton, Anthony D. 
Holton, and Alicia Holton; three great-grandchildren, Dena 
Plase, Halia Plase, and Violet Holton; and a host of many 
cousins and friends.