May 3, 1932 ~ October 16, 2026 Willa Ann Carter-Gadson was born on May 3,1932 to William Dewitt Carter and Anna Bazell Jennings-Carter. Willa (affectionately known as “Bootsie”) was a the oldest of seven children and as a born leader, she lived up to the expectation of being a mentor and protector of her younger siblings. Whenever they needed her guidance or support, she was there. Willa graduated from John Hay High School in 1951 where she received many academic awards. She