WILLA GADSON

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 then attended Cuyahoga Community College, Hathaway Brown and Case Western Reserve University tostudy Early Childhood Education. After graduation from high school, Willa worked at a law firm for attorney Lillian Long while at the same time going to Case Western Reserve University. Willa had expert administrative skills, she typed 90 words per minute. Therefore, it was an easy decision for Reverend John Rollin Plummer the founding pastor of The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Churchto hire her as his church secretary. Willa at age 13 and several of her family members marched from Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church to form The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church where she remained a faithful charter member until she went home to be with the Lord. Willa remained church secretary as well, for Reverend Henry J. Peyden Sr. and finally for Reverend E. Theophilus Caviness. Her accomplishments at her church were many. She not only was the church secretary but also engaged in the following church activities:

Young Peoples Choir

Sunday School Teacher

Gospel Choir

Usher Board

Lydia Circle

25th Women’s Day Chairperson

2011 Missionary Queen

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23

Willa met the man of her dreams across the street from the church. He worked as a Barber. He would watch her go in and out of the church daily. He finally got up the nerve to say hello to her and the rest is history. Willa married John Westley Gadson on November 8,1955 and to this union two children were born, Derrick Wayne Gadson and Dianna Lynne Gadson. They were married for 60 years until John went to be with the Lord in 2015. Willa’s love for children continued and she taught Early Childhood Education at Joseph Landis Elementary School, League Park (Cleveland, Ohio) and Rozelle Elementary School in East Cleveland. Because Willa had always been a leader, and she had her own ideas pertaining to teaching children. She followed the holy spirit and opened her own daycare, The Learning Lane. This was not your typical daycare; she taught children to be independent thinkers by using creative ways to get them interested in learning. Her method of teaching was tried and proven. Most of her students were ahead of the kindergarten educational standards when enrolled in K-12 schools. The Learning Lane remained open until she retired. Willa’s husband John preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her siblings: Cora Carter, John Carter (Michelle), Mary Carter-Dobbins (Ozell), William Carter (Varanae-InGlory). Her Children: Ronald Gadson (Marilyn), Sharon Gadson, Linda Gadson (Alex-In Glory), Derrick Wayne Gadson (Debra), Dianna Gadson - Burks (Eral-In Glory). Grandchildren: Shalone Gadson, Charita Gadson, Darion Burks, Joshua Gadson, and Jarred Gadson. Great Grandchildren: Kaleb Gadson and Aria Gadson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services

Public Viewing

Friday

November 6, 2026

4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Gaines Funeral Home

5386 Lee Road

Maple Heights, OH 44137

Wake

Saturday

November 7, 2026

11:00 AM

Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church

1161 E 105th Street

Cleveland, OH 44108

Celebration of Life

Saturday

November 7, 2026

11:30 AM

Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church

1161 E 105th Street

Cleveland, OH 44108

This event will be live-streamed

Interment (Location Only)

Saturday

November 7, 2026

Lake View Cemetery

12316 Euclid Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44106