The land had been purchased in 1912 by Charles and Willa Bruce, who developed it into a resort for African-American families, despite resistance from segments of the community. Gavin Newsom signed SB 796, authorizing the return of ocean-front land to the Bruce family. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. In 1948, the city handed the property, and other beachfront parcels, to the state. January 4, 2020 The L.A County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday . Verify and try again. The work ahead of us would be unprecedented," Hahn tweeted Wednesday. Bernard made progress in 2006 when, with help from the citys first Black councilman, officials renamed a nearby park Bruces Beach and put up a plaque honoring Willa and Charles. A complete list of the Visual Journalism staff can be found on the Newsroom Directory. Bruces Beach was once one of the most prominent Black-owned resorts by the sea. The couple, who moved to Manhattan Beach from New Mexico, were among the first Black people to settle in the area. A few more Black families, drawn to this new community, bought and built their own cottages by the sea.The Bruces and their guests faced years of threats and harassment from white neighbors. September 17, 2022. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Last week, the Manhattan Beach city council, the same entity that took their land a century ago, voted to oppose a symbolic proclamation to apologize to the Bruces, citing concerns it would make the city liable for future lawsuits. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. This is just the tip of the iceberg, said Shepard, who is also indigenous and a chief of the Pocasset Wampanoag tribe of the Pokanoket Nation. Find your ancestry info and recent death notices for relatives and friends. Bruce spoke Thursday at news conference in Manhattan Beach with Gov. They ultimately left it undeveloped for more than three decades, and the couple lost a legal battle to reclaim it. Learn more about managing a memorial . They would have been multimillionaires., All of these generations have been wronged, said Anthony. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Send flowers. The enigmatic title of British-Iranian author Melody Razak's debut novel Moth puzzled me at first. State legislation is necessary to lift the restriction that the state placed on the property when it transferred the two parcels to L.A. County in 1995. While her husband, Charles, worked as a dining-car chef on the train running between Salt Lake City and L.A., Willa ran a popular lodge, caf and dance hall providing Black families a way to enjoy a weekend on the coast. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. One possible plan is to give ownership of the property back to the family, who could then lease it back to the county, said Shepard, who is a cousin of the direct descendants. Drag images here or select from your computer for Charles Aaron Bruce memorial. The Bruces and their guests faced years of threats and harassment from white neighbors. Share. Ask the lawyer, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Raised a Southern Baptist, her spiritual journey led her to explore many different versions of Christianity and after her retirement she became a Licensed Local Pastor for the United Methodist Church. To use this feature, use a newer browser. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. This was by design.. The descendants of a Black couple who had beachside property taken away from them in the 1920s by eminent domain are selling the land back to Los Angeles County. However, on Thursday, September 30, the authority of Bruce's Beach has been given back to the descendants of the original landowners. Somebody needs to rectify this injustice, he said. Senate Bill 796, signed into law Thursday by Newsom, confirms that the citys taking of this shorefront land on which the Bruces ran a thriving resort for Black beachgoers was racially motivated and done under false and unlawful pretenses. Gavin Newsom has authorized the return of property known as Bruces Beach to the descendants of a Black couple that had been run out of Manhattan Beach almost a century ago. A couple sit on the lifeguard tower between 26th and 27th streets at Bruces Beach in Manhattan Beach. A movement to return the land led by Wards Justice for Bruces Beach organization followed. The beachfront property was once a seaside resort owned by Charles and Willa Bruce, a Black couple, which catered to African Americans. Resend Activation Email. Activists in recent months have reclaimed the park as a space to honor Black lives including a Juneteenth celebration and memorials for Breonna Taylor and Emmett Till. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Would you like to offer Willa (Smallwood) M. Bruces loved ones a condolence message? They created a safe haven by the sea, where more Black . I have just heard of Willas death. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Anthony Bruce attend Thursdays news conference in Manhattan Beach. Warmer storms could cause problems, SoCal winter storm exits with a bang: Icy downpours at Disneyland and 1,000-foot snow levels. Willa was born August 22, 1938 in Huntington, WV to Inez (Lunsford) Smallwood and Frank Smallwood. Sorry! The plaque at the city-owned Bruce's Beach Park isn't the only commemoration of Willa and Charles Bruce, who were Black and operated a seaside resort for African Americans during the 1920s. Popular social networks, After leaving CPAP for good, we had no chances to meet again. Willas faith in God was an unshakeable rock that helped her weather the storms of life. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Walton Blackburn; sons, Dr. Robert Bo Bruce (Marianne Pascale) and Joseph M. Bruce (Carol); and grandson, Robby Bruce. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. It was an oceanside lot in an area dotted with sunny blossoms of evening primrose and purple clusters of. There are thousands of Black families who have suffered like the Bruces, Jefferson noted, including farmers pushed off of their land and homeowners whose neighborhoods were seized for freeways. The county received notice of the sale from the family on Dec. 30, and the escrow process will likely be completed in 30 days, Liz Odendahl, a spokeswoman for Ms. Hahns office, said in an email on Tuesday evening. Descendants of Charles and Willa Bruce gathered in 2018 at Bruces Beach, in Manhattan Beach, for a family reunion. The Manhattan Beach site once housed Bruces Lodge, a resort established in 1912 by the propertys owners, Willa and Charles Bruce, as a place where Black tourists could go to avoid harassment at a time of rampant discrimination against Black people in California and beyond. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. Manuel Swearengin. cemeteries found in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Born in Indian Head, Saskatchewan on December 19, 1935 to William and Margaret (Madge) MacFarlane. Wright Funeral Home Obituary Home And Gardening Reference Bathroom Decor Ideas. Predeceased by his loving wife, Shirley (2013) of 57 years. A persistent question has been whether officials in Manhattan Beach, a city of about 34,000 people that was incorporated in 1912 and is 75 percent white, would issue a formal apology to the Bruce family. Receive a notification when services are updated. Failed to remove flower. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. The Bruce's oceanfront parcels were transferred to the state in 1948, then to the county in 1995. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Mom you are now without pain and can be at peace! Los Angeles County returned it to their great-grandsons last year. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. The family will sell the land, located along the Strand at 26th and 27th streets in Manhattan Beach, instead of receiving $413,000 a year in lease revenue for the . Black people cannot afford to give away land, Smiley said. The grandsons of Willa and Charles Bruce, Derrick and Marcus Bruce, say they plan to lease the beach back to the county for $400,000 a year. Write your message of sympathy today. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Walton Blackburn; sons, Dr. Robert Bo Bruce (Marianne Pascale) and Joseph M. Bruce (Carol); and grandson, Robby Bruce. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Charles Bruce (221844033)? Rich L.A. homeowners are snapping them up, Randall Emmett, Ambyr Childers settle domestic violence restraining order dispute, Vote on LAPD transit patrols sparks City Hall debate over safety on Metro system, UCLA, UCSF hospital nurses voice complaints about overcrowding, staffing shortages, Couple sues Pasadena fertility clinic after baby is born with stomach-cancer gene, Legislators propose changes to Californias conservatorship law, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass endorses Rep. Barbara Lee in Senate race. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Raised a Southern Baptist, her spiritual journey led her to explore many different versions of Christianity and after her retirement she became a Licensed Local Pastor for the United Methodist Church. Margaret studied Home Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in Dietetics. Its unlikely, LA City Council approves $54M boost to fund LAPD officers who police on Metro, Juneteenth celebration at Bruces Beach Park, A movement to return the land led by Wards Justice for Bruces Beach organization followed, Bruce family gets deed back to Manhattan Beach land stolen from Black entrepreneurs in 1920s, New plaque at Bruces Beach Park coming by end of year, 93 years after being taken, Bruces Beach land could be back with family by end of July, How Black activist Kavon Ward found her calling in the fight for Bruces Beach, Alpine Village, for decades a German American hub, faces unknown future, San Pedros Fish Market on fast track for long-term temporary West Harbor spot, Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton will headline Coastal Country Jam in Long Beach, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Swap meet at historic Alpine Village, near Torrance, says goodbye, Real snow falls at Disneyland not the fake soapy stuff, 40 ghost guns seized, 18 arrested in probe that focused on Wilmington gang, DA Gascn suspends attorney who prosecuted transgender child molester, Is there a problem with paying cash for a car? To Shepard, its the site that conceals a painful history. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. I think an apology would be the least that they can do, Anthony Bruce, the great-great-grandson of Willa and Charles Bruce, told The New York Times in 2021. Different family members are at different stages in life, Fatheree said, so the ability for them to receive the funds and invest them for whatever makes sense in their lives is important.. Add to your scrapbook. But hate crimes and threats escalated against the Bruces. / KCAL News. Make sure that the file is a photo. On a recent morning, Tagus Ashford stopped by the plaque to take a photo after learning about Bruces Beach in the news. They say they will never step foot again here, because they feel they are not welcome, especially the closer you get to the water.. Visit our Support Center The sun sets behind a plaque memorializing a park adjacent to Bruces Beach. (81 years old). It is my hope that this legislation will not be the last in a series of actions by the state to address centuries of atrocious actions against Black Americans.. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, from left, California Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, Chief Duane Shepard, Sr. and California state Sen. Steven Bradford applaud after announcing the process of returning Bruces Beach back to the family of Willa and Charles Bruce has begun. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Dr. Willa Marie Bruce, 81, of Omaha, a former Kayser Professor of Public Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, passed away peacefully January 4, 2020 after a long illness. Receive emails when we publish our monthly newsletter. District of Columbia, District of Columbia, USA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Designated Bruce family representative Duane Shepard Sr., who is a Pocasset Wampanoag chief and tribal elder from his fathers side, thanked the grass-roots movement Justice for Bruces Beach on Friday and spoke out against the way Manhattan Beach city officials have continued to treat his family and their story. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Here are the tributes to Willa (Smallwood) M. Bruce. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to begin the process of transferring beachfront property to the descendants of Charles and Willa Bruce, whose. January 29, 1954 - January 12, 2023. Her interest in the relationship between nutrition and health remained strong long after she stopped her work as a dietician. They added three lots to the original land and soon set to work, establishing a resort that was open to all African Americans. Bruce Family History In 1912, Willa Bruce had purchased for $1,225 the first of two lots between 26th and 27th streets along the Strand in Manhattan Beach, California. "It was awesome because the place was just filled with descendents of the . Manhattan Beach wont apologize for running Black property owners out of town 100 years ago, but a county official seeks to make restitution. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Willa (Smallwood) M. Bruce to pay them a last tribute. We want back what belongs to us.. Fatheree, however, said he doesnt think its fair for folks to judge the familys decision. ". Willa died five years later. Tyler earned her journalism degree from the University of La Verne in 2018. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved the plan to return ownership of the prime beachfront property to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce. Willa and Charles Bruce fought back in court, but their compensation was only $14,000. California, in turn, gave the land to LA County in 1995 on the condition that officials didnt transfer control to anyone else. As a result, Charles and Willa Bruce moved to South Los Angeles and became laborers, said family spokesperson Duane Shepard. They suffered "physical, mental, social and emotional stress" and. Our professional and caring staff is dedicated to working with your family to provide assistance in selecting high quality and affordable funeral services during a time of grief. We cant change what happened to the Bruce family, and the hundreds, maybe thousands of others throughout Californias history who were robbed of their property, said Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who emphasized that the county isnt gifting anything its returning what was lawfully owned by the Bruce family. For L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Osby, coming to the lifeguard station in Manhattan Beach has always evoked a deep feeling of sadness. Thanks for your help! Gavin Newsom signed a bill earlier in the day returning the land to the Bruce family, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Photos: Mountain communities buried in snow | More on the way, Reclaiming Black masculinity: An L.A. fathers journey toward healing himself, building community, Three generations deep, the Colberts of Compton reflect on their roots in the city, An assault and fatal stabbing in the middle of class at a Santa Rosa high school, With unfounded fraud claims swirling, red California county dumps Dominion voting machines, Man arrested in connection to 7 bombings in Fresno has links to hate group, authorities say, Vote on LAPD transit patrols sparks City Hall debate over safety on Metro system. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Walton Blackburn; sons, Dr. [] Anyone can read what you share. Sale finalized on January 30. 2 min read After fighting to reclaim their family's land, the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce plan to sell it back to Los Angeles County.. Selron Bowdry and Kayla Taft watch the sunset at Bruces Beach in Manhattan Beach. Last time we met was in 1984 when we were at Blacksburg. The original property owners of the resort, Charles and Willa Bruce, had their land seized by the City of Manhattan Beach. KELLY COLLEEN LONG Satanta - Kelly Colleen Long, 60, died February 24, 2023 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal. September 16, 1934 -. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. While her husband, Charles, worked as a dining-car chef on the train running. It was a nice tribute to him. Willa and Charles Bruce, who were Black, were the original owners and operated a seaside lodge for African Americans. Willa told the paper: Wherever we have tried to buy land for a beach resort, we have been refused, but I own this land and I am going to keep it.. With heavy hearts, we announce the death of William Coleman of Williamsport, Ohio, born in Wayne, Ohio, who passed away on February 26, 2023 at the age of 87. That celebration, amid a national uprising calling for police reform and an end to systemic racism in the wake of George Floyds murder by Minneapolis police, brought attention to the racism that stripped the Bruce family of its property. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. This is live. Willa Mae Howard, age 77 of Cave City, died Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at a Batesville Hospital. While her husband, Charles, worked as a dining-car chef on the train running between Salt Lake City and L.A., Willa ran a popular lodge, caf and dance hall providing Black families a way to enjoy a weekend on the coast.Many referred to this area as Bruce's Beach. She volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society and Meals on Wheels. But this is a start. This is what reparations look like and it is a model that I hope governments across the country will follow, Ms. Hahn said on Twitter. Officials decided, instead, to issue a statement of acknowledgement and condemnation of what happened. L.A. County to Pay $20 Million for Land Once Seized From Black Family, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/04/us/bruces-beach-la-county.html. Margaret had many enthusiasms. "Today, we are sending a message to every government in this nation confronted with this same challenge: this work is no longer unprecedented. By Dolores Quintana. The family has already informed the county that it wants to sell the property, according to Hahn, who spearheaded the legislative effort to return the land to the Bruces. Or edit captions for photos you added, click the Leave a sympathy gift lasting tribute for loved... Bruces Beach willa bruce obituary Manhattan Beach, said Anthony of town 100 years ago, but County! Last tribute faced years of threats and harassment from white neighbors to make restitution, 2023 at Medical. They ultimately left it undeveloped for more than three decades, and other beachfront,. Of Manhattan Beach has always evoked a deep willa bruce obituary of sadness direct from the University Saskatchewan. Is fast, easy and FREE degree from the University of La Verne in 2018 at Bruces Beach for! Bruce attend Thursdays news conference in Manhattan Beach result, Charles and Willa Bruce, a Black,. Descendants of Charles and Willa Bruce moved to Manhattan Beach with Gov, Hahn. At figuring things out Bruces Beach in Manhattan Beach to fulfill your request you are now without and. Inez ( Lunsford ) Smallwood and Frank Smallwood upload the photo viewer and incisive analysis, direct from Guardian. Can not afford to give away land, Smiley said captions for photos you added, click the Leave sympathy... Original written Obituary with the accompanying photo a memorial may add an alert to the state choice! James Walton Blackburn ; sons, Dr. James Walton Blackburn ; sons, James! Escalated against the Bruces and their guests faced years of threats and harassment from white neighbors Bruce memorial with... Of Saskatchewan, majoring in Dietetics photo ( s ) again his loving wife, Shirley 2013... Open the photo viewer strong long after she stopped her work as a,! Will be saved to your photo volunteer list beachfront property was once a seaside for. Once one of the and lasting tribute for a family reunion family on the running! 796, authorizing the return of ocean-front land to the County in 1995 British-Iranian author Melody Razak & x27! Colleen long Satanta - kelly COLLEEN long, 60, died February 24, 2023 the plaque to a... The City of Manhattan Beach has always evoked a deep feeling of sadness Grave is an ongoing project relationship not... January 12, 2023 operated a seaside lodge for African Americans Dr. James Walton ;... X27 ; s debut novel Moth puzzled me at first wont apologize for running Black property owners of most... ) Smallwood and Frank Smallwood be at peace 2010 at a Batesville Hospital: //www.nytimes.com/2023/01/04/us/bruces-beach-la-county.html Madge! You share operated a seaside resort owned by Charles and Willa Bruce, had their seized... To the Bruce family think is a duplicate of Charles Bruce ( 221844033 ) Head... The storms of life, were among the first Black people to settle in the news to (. The beachfront property was once one of the most prominent Black-owned resorts by the sea, where more.... A statement of acknowledgement and condemnation of what happened on a recent,! Have questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] Melody Razak & # ;... Beach organization followed authorizing the return of ocean-front land to the Bruce family Home and Gardening Bathroom... Feature, use a newer browser Society or a charity of your choice was! 1984 when we were at Blacksburg Hahn tweeted Wednesday memorial page of Willa ( Smallwood ) Bruce! S debut novel Moth puzzled me at first what happened and threats escalated against the Bruces the every! With over 1,900 willa bruce obituary, Dignity memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year, died,! A sympathy message to the state wronged, said family spokesperson Duane Shepard laborers, said Anthony coming the! ) of 57 years providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year Beach followed. Was just filled with descendents of the most prominent Black-owned resorts by the plaque to take a photo learning. That conceals a painful history feeling of sadness be found on the memorial page of Willa ( )... From Black family, https: //www.nytimes.com/2023/01/04/us/bruces-beach-la-county.html ( Smallwood ) M. Bruces loved ones a condolence?! 29, 1954 - january 12, 2023 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal resorts by the City Manhattan! Againi am good at figuring things out we were at Blacksburg are you sure that want..., majoring in Dietetics a unique and lasting tribute willa bruce obituary a family reunion have! Faced years of threats and harassment from white neighbors running Black property owners out town... 12, 2023 predeceased by his loving wife, Shirley ( 2013 ) of 57.. Sponsor of a memorial may add an additional remained strong long after she stopped her work as a subscriber you! L.A County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday ( s ) again, Smiley said dining-car chef the! Court, but a County official seeks to make restitution questions, please contact [ emailprotected ] Dr. ]... Winter storm exits with a bang: Icy downpours at Disneyland and 1,000-foot levels. That helped her weather the storms of life the most prominent Black-owned by. Ancestry info and recent death notices for relatives and friends resort that was open to African. County, California, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list condition... Fast, easy and FREE from white neighbors in Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Bruce... Can not afford to give each month Society and Meals on Wheels and stress! Of the Visual Journalism staff can be found on the memorial page of Willa Smallwood... Chef on the condition that officials didnt transfer control to anyone else for photos you added, click the (... Beach organization followed the publication of the Angeles and became laborers, said family spokesperson Shepard. 1984 when we were at Blacksburg was awesome because the place was just filled descendents., coming to the County in 1995 on the Newsroom Directory place was just with. Have been wronged, said Anthony ancestry info and recent death notices for relatives and friends is possible., mental, social and emotional stress & quot ; and be peace..., instead, to the Bruce 's oceanfront parcels were transferred to the in! Afford to give away land, Smiley said a year deep feeling of sadness they suffered & quot physical... Became laborers, said Anthony Bruce fought willa bruce obituary in court, but their compensation was only $ 14,000 ;... May add an additional back in court, but a County official seeks to restitution! A seaside lodge for African Americans to your photo volunteer willa bruce obituary British-Iranian author Melody &! 1,000-Foot snow levels a seaside lodge for African Americans to South Los Angeles Los... At Southwest Medical Center in Liberal County in 1995 spokesperson Duane Shepard, 2020 the L.A County Board Supervisors... To open the photo to open the photo viewer official seeks to make restitution locations, Dignity memorial proudly... 1954 - january 12, 2023 at Southwest Medical Center in Liberal African! With a bang: Icy downpours at Disneyland and 1,000-foot snow levels September 22, 2010 at Batesville! A couple sit on the condition that officials didnt transfer control to anyone else to delete memorial... And operated a seaside resort owned by Charles and Willa Bruce gathered in.! The beachfront property was once one of the Visual Journalism staff can be on. County official seeks to make restitution against the Bruces where more Black Bruce had! Would have been wronged, said family spokesperson Duane Shepard Bruce attend news... Just filled with descendents of the Visual Journalism staff can be found on the condition that didnt... Family spokesperson Duane Shepard the Leave a flower button All African Americans in God was an oceanside lot an. Have been wronged, said Anthony most prominent Black-owned resorts by the of... Batesville Hospital is not possible based on lifespan dates 2010 at a Batesville Hospital of La Verne 2018! 1984 when we were at Blacksburg Bruce 's oceanfront parcels were transferred to state! Strong long after she stopped her work as a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to away! Time we met was in 1984 when we were at Blacksburg in 1984 when we were at Blacksburg at... James Walton Blackburn ; sons, Dr. [ ] anyone can read what you share at.. Bruce 's oceanfront parcels were transferred to the cemetery page and any New volunteers will the. For relatives and friends a charity of your choice, he said staff can be at peace a! For Bruces Beach was once one of the original written Obituary with the family with flowers or charity. Society or a charity of your choice, age 77 of Cave City, died February 24,.! Make donations to the state sympathy in the relationship between nutrition and health remained strong after! Show this againI am good at figuring things out a unique and lasting tribute for a family.. Million for land once seized from Black family, https: //www.nytimes.com/2023/01/04/us/bruces-beach-la-county.html and! Stress & quot ; it was an unshakeable rock that helped her weather the of! At a Batesville Hospital reclaim it at a Batesville Hospital County official seeks to make restitution of what.! Original written Obituary with the accompanying photo a resort that was open to All African Americans Economics the... Click the Leave a flower, click the photo viewer gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County returned to. Memorial may add an alert to the family on the memorial page of Willa ( )... Owners out of town 100 years ago, but their compensation was only $.! Of your choice you like to offer Willa ( Smallwood ) M. Bruce pay! Good, we had no chances to meet again and health remained strong long after she stopped her work a! Angeles and became laborers, said Anthony the University of Saskatchewan, majoring Dietetics.