Willie Ruth Bardwell

Willie Bardwell "Willie Ruth" was a beloved and adored Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and a devoted Jehovah’s Witness.

Willie Ruth was born in Milan, Tennessee on March 20th, 1947. She graduated Polk Clark High School in Milan, class of 1965. She kept her Milan roots close to her heart and is fondly remembered as the 1^st African American Miss ITT Hotline. You would find her every Labor Day at the Polk Clark class reunions sharing in the celebrations and memories with her classmates or at the Birds Nest dancing the night away.

Willie took pride in looking good, feeling good, and helping others around her feel special. As an entrepreneur and stylist, she spent her days at her salon Hairstyles Unlimited, in addition to selling jewelry with some of her closest friends turned family. She valued her experience helping people and creating everlasting bonds.

She loved to travel and often recalled her adventures throughout the world. She found the beauty in the small details in life and lived every moment to the fullest.

She was vivacious and elegant, lighting up any room that she entered. She never knew a stranger and left lasting impressions on those in her life. With the sparkle in her eyes and a laugh you could never forget, Willie was always spreading joy and positivity throughout her 75 years.

Willie was never fond of saying “good-bye”, but you would often hear her say “see ya later”

Willie Ruth is survived by her brother Tex Bardwell, her children; Michael Majors, Nia Johnson (Quintin Johnson), her grandchildren; Laila McClimmon and Evelyn Ruth Johnson, her nieces and nephew; Alecia Armour (Perry Armour), Tex Bardwell, Stacey Harrison and a host of other great nieces, great nephews, relatives, and friends.