Willa Jendea Nash

Willa Jendea Nash, 68, passed away on February 19, 2026, at The Windsor of Lawrence, in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born on April 11, 1957, in Kansas City, Missouri to Willie Nash and Geraldine Fayne. 

Willa grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Southeast High School. After high school she began working for various companies in the Kansas City area as a housekeeper/custodian. She worked forty-two years before retirement. When she wasn't working, Willa liked going to concerts and comedy shows with her son and friends. She also loved the casino, plants and gardening. She enjoyed listening to music, watching movies, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. 

In 2015, Willa adopted her great nephew, Carvaughn. She raised him until she was unable to due to health complications. In 2024 she was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and spent the last years of her life at The Windsor of Lawrence. At The Windsor she enjoyed playing bingo, watching movies, eating desserts, and giving the staff a hard time.

Willa was preceded into death by her parents, Willie Nash and Geraldine Fayne; her sister, Kathy McGee; and her brother, Bennie Stone. 

Left to cherish Willa's fond memories: her son, De'Antay Bourn (Natacha Wright); granddaughter, Lylah Bourn; nephew/bonus son, Carvaughn Johnson; brother, John Smith; nephews: Talvin Smith, Thomas Smith and Raymone McGee; niece, Tehya Smith; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers 

the request is that memorial donations be made to 

De'Antay Bourn.