Willie Garnell Nothaker

In 1935 the family moved to St. Louis, Missouri where she lived, went to school (graduated from Blewett High School), married and started her own family. All subsequent years were in areas near St. Louis until she and her husband, Gene, retired and moved to Sun City Center Florida In 1989 but moved back to St. Charles on October 6, 2006. Her chosen profession was In the Personnel Field in private industry (McDonnell Aircraft) and the Federal Government, from which she retired in 1989 as a US Army Civilian. She remained a member of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees). 

She led the way for her future generations with extensive documented ancestry research through several generations which included the Samuel, Daniel Boone bloodline to a grandfather several generations removed, LT Leonard Keeling Bradley who was a Revolutionary War Patriot. With this documentation, she became the first in her Fullington bloodline to be eligible for membership in the Daughter's of the American Revolution which she joined in October 1999 in FL. She transferred her membership to Saint Charles when she moved in 2006. Since joining, her daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece have also become members. As this documentation is kept in Washington DC any blood relation for future generations can be members of the Daughter's, Son's or Children of the American Revolution. This history would have been lost without her tireless effort as she met with relatives in Huntsville for information and they have since passed on. 

Willie made her profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of twelve years, at Bethel Baptist Church in St. Louis, where she was baptized on Easter Sunday morning in 1942. She served in many areas in the churches she was affiliated with in her lifetime including: Secretary, WMU, Sunday School Teacher, Training Union leader, and Sound Technician. She was a member of First Baptist Church of St. Charles. 

On November 28, 1946, she was united in marriage to Gene Gilbert Nothaker at the home of her parents in St. Louis, MO. Lifetime family friend, Rev. Lewis Lynn of Winfield, MO performed the Thanksgiving Day Ceremony. Their lifetime love song was "Always" which when heard anytime, anywhere they both stopped and looked at one another knowingly and Gene would often sing along softly. 

To this union two children were born: a son, the late Rev. Gene Gilbert Nothaker, Jr., and a daughter, Jan Lynette Nothaker Radcliff. 

She is survived by her daughter Jan (David) Radcliff, daughter-in-law Anna Nothaker Brown, five grandchildren: Lisa Nothaker McCarthy (Tim), Rev. Timothy Nothaker (Latrice), Douglas Wallace, Deanna Wallace Donovan (Michael), Joshua Radcliff and eight great grandchildren: Aidan, Liam, Landon McCarthy, Neal and Gene Gilbert Nothaker III, Jaya Wallace, Jane and Harry Donovan. 

She is preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Gene Gilbert Nothaker Sr, her son, Gene Gilbert Nothaker Jr, and all siblings (one brother and three sisters). 

While a member of the Young Peoples' Department at Mary Ann Baptist Church, she chose as her life's motto Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." From the time of youth, she felt a compulsion to be of help to those she could, and to strive to bring a little sunshine into the lives of those with whom she came in contact. She was an avid believer in self-development and felt that each individual was responsible to the Lord to help themselves become a more useful person in whatever area they were associated. One of her favorite thoughts was: "I shall pass through this world but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do, let me do it NOW: Let me not defer or neglect It, for I shall not pass this way again!" (Etienne de Grellet, 1773-1855, American missionary and philanthropist.) 

She often said that if the Lord had let her choose her favorite talent, it would have been to have a beautiful singing voice; however, instead He blessed her three times over by giving this token to her husband, son and daughter. SO, she enjoyed a TRIPLE blessing instead-in addition to some who followed later in the family. After many years of wondering what HER special gift was, it was pointed out to her that SHE was an ENCOURAGER. What a joyous revelation! 

A favorite song of hers was “If I Can Help Somebody.” Willie asked that the following be said at her funeral, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and so can YOU!” 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Willie’s name to Living Water Ministries - 125 Living Water Lane Eolia, MO 63344.