Resident Spotlight
Barnetta Willard, born May 3, 1939, and the matriarch of a large family, holds the esteemed position of being the eldest among her 9 siblings!
A Senior Village I resident with a lineage that spans across children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren, Barnetta’s family tree flourishes.
Her upbringing took place in the neighborhood of Ashburn— she grew up in a diverse military community accommodating families from various branches of the armed forces. Despite growing up in an environment where her blackness stood out, Barnetta’s mother equipped her and her siblings to navigate life as black people in predominantly non-black spaces and sparked a curiosity for international exploration. As a result, when she attended a predominantly white high school, Lindblom Technical High School (class of 1957), cultural differences posed little challenge for Barnetta. And because Barnetta’s mother would gift her international dolls throughout her childhood, the desire to be immersed in culture lasted throughout her adult years.
Following graduation, Ms. Willard attended Wilson Jr. College receiving an AA in 1959. After completing her studies, Barnetta embarked on the incredible journey of marriage and motherhood. Years later, when her two sons had grown, Barnetta decided to fulfill her aspiration of attaining a Bachelors of Science degree in the 1999 from Chicago State University. Her thirst for knowledge persisted, leading her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education in 2003, while juggling a full-time job and part-time employment at her alma matter (Chicago State Univ).
As an active member of Crusaders Church International, Barnetta traveled extensively and participated in missionary work that she loved! Through her home church, Barnetta joined trips dedicated to disaster relief efforts. She underwent intensive disaster training in 2010. The value of this training became evident when she and her fellow church members aided the victims of the 9/11 attacks the following year, and flew to Haiti to assist the victims of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Throughout her 30+ years of dedicated service, Barnetta embarked on seven mission trips, including six visits to India, a country she holds dear to her heart.
Later that same year, she made her home in Senior Village 1, having eagerly embraced its opening in November 2010. Although work commitments limited her time spent there initially, Barnetta found solace in the tranquility and privacy her new home offered. She served one term of service with the TRC Tenant Association as Secretary. Though Barnetta's participation in social gatherings remained minimal, there was one notable exception—the Senior Village Garden Club, an inaugural club that captivated her interest.
Within the club, Barnetta cared for and attended the lush vegetation that thrived in one of the seven well-tended garden beds. This endeavor held a special place in her heart, particularly during her battle with stage 2 breast cancer, as gardening played a vital role in her healing process. Regrettably, due to personal circumstances, Barnetta was unable to actively participate in the garden this year.
As she contemplates the future, Barnetta embraces uncertainty, acknowledging that only the divine knows what lies ahead. She feels content with concluding her missionary travels, yet still hopes to explore the captivating wonders of God’s diverse countries in her leisure
