Willa Durham Briscoe McClain, born on May 19, 1942, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, transitioned from this life on May 7, 2024.  Willa was the daughter of Sadie Z. Jones and the late decorated soldier, Willis Durham.

At an early age she joined the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Muskogee. Simultaneously she was a member of Dean's Chapel following the direction of her Aunt Velma Jones Potter.

Throughout her life, Willa cherished her family deeply. She married Albert Briscoe, and from this union, she welcomed her daughter, Delores. Later she shared her life with James Davis Sr., with whom she had her son, James Jr. Then Frank Thomas. Finally, she found true love with Joe McClain, who was her soulmate until the end.

Willa was a woman of many talents and passions. She attended one of the first African American private elementary schools in Muskogee and then on to the historic Manuel Training High School. Later she graduated in Geriatric Nursing from Connors State College. Her love for art led her to study art appreciation and she became a skilled artist.

In her spare time, Willa found joy in spending time with her family and friends, watching scary movies, reading, and solving crossword puzzles.

Willa was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her son, her brothers, Hugh Edmond Durham and Robert Durham (Bertha Mae); her sisters, Peggy Carlis Caldwell (Charles), Alma Durham Sipho (Lewis), and a set of twin sisters.

She leaves behind, her daughter, Delores Brooks, son-in-law, Percy Brooks Sr., and grandchildren Percy Brooks Jr. (Nicole), Zolla D. (D'Marrio Carter), Zandria N. (Ron Alverson), Carletha (Lee Spencer) and Jaquelyn Rawlings, great grandchildren Destiny, Desiree, Percy III Brooks, D'Marrio and Angelique Brooks-Carter, Terric Jefferson and Leeyah Spencer, Raeley and Riley Alverson and a host of step grandchildren and special family.

A Home Going Service is scheduled, Wednesday, May 15, 2024,1:00 p.m., Precious Memories Chapel, House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations, 2200 Military Blvd., Muskogee, OK; with Rev. Larry Cato, offering Words of Comfort. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn-Muskogee.