Reflections of our Queen

Amanda Willa Carney

A precious gift to this world came through John Preston and Odell Woodson Stewart on June 3, 1934, in Port Royal, Tennessee. Both parents preceded her in death. She was affectionately called “Willa”, “Momma Willa” or “Willa Dean” by family or friends. Willa received her education through Montgomery County Public Schools.

She married Arvesta Carney and they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. To their union, six children were born.  She later adopted her beloved nephew, John Pettus, after the passing of his mother at a very young age. At that point, John became a loving “little brother” to her offspring at the age of seven.

Willa professed a hope in Christ at an early age, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Port Royal, TN, and later joined True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, in Indianapolis, IN where she sang in the Senior Choir, Ladies Chorus and became the leader of the Nurse’s Ministry for several years. In 2005, Willa received the “Nurse of the Year” Award from Capital City District Nurses Auxiliary for her dedication and active involvement during her association.

She was a very hard worker in life as she strived to provide the needs and lots of love to her children. Willa worked at RCA (Radio Corporation of America) for over 30 years, then studied to become a Certified Nursing Assistant from Martin University toward the end of her retirement. She was a caring and concerned mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, relative and friend who was always willing to help in any way that she could. To know her was to LOVE her. Her signature dishes of Cornbread Dressing, Greens, Fried Chicken, Carmel Cake and Chicken Salad were always a delicacy at family gatherings and special occasions.

Willa was a founding member of the 12 Challengers Social Club comprised of 12 women who worked at RCA. This group of women associated monthly for several decades.  She once bowled on a league and actively maintained a productive vegetable and flower garden. Later in life, she committed to working at the election polls each voting season. Willa was a smart and resourceful woman who was also extraordinarily strong, generous and compassionate with a heart full of Love.

On January 2, 2022, at the age of 87, Amanda Willa Carney received her wings and was called home to be with the Lord.  To our Queen, we bow in humble submission.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories to her sons, Vester Carney and John Pettus (Shawn); daughters: Paulette Wallace (Glen), Claudette Jackson (David), Nadine Davis, Pamela Carney and Crystal Carney- Russell; grandsons: Andre Donaldson, Antonio Carney (Tammy), LeVesta Carney (Melissa) and Leavell Davis (deceased); granddaughters: Tabitha Carney, Thai-Lynn Wallace, Deonna Davis and Amanda Jackson; sister, Joanne Simpson; brother, Ronald Stewart (Shuvon); and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.