Martha and William (Bill) Wills, Sr. have been dedicated to the idea of reconciliation since they were young and active as individuals in their own communities. They met while serving their country in the Air Force and have been changing history together ever since they were married 64 years ago.

 

Martha was raised in a Christian home and her servant heart has been seen as she has faithfully loved Jesus all her life. She received the Lord and was baptized in the Holy Spirit at the tender age of 10 in a home meeting.  She attended a 3-room school house when blacks and whites were segregated, working hard through school into college to become a dedicated LPN serving in community hospitals. This career led her into the military and after she married Bill, she got very involved in reconciliation awareness and played an active role as a military wife. As a woman of prayer and action, Martha has been the Conference Coordinator for the Racial Reconciliation Community Outreach Network (RRCON) for more than 20 years mobilizing city wide, state wide, even country wide support for every conference. RRCON was designed to reach out to all ethnicities by educating, developing relationships and bridging the gap that separates us through communication and workshops that create interaction.

 

Bill has been a believer since childhood as well, and was part of the amazing ‘Vermont Project’ in 1945 that brought together black children from the streets of Harlem to spend time living with white families in Vermont. He was one of the boys who became part of the vision revealing God’s plan to break down the walls of misunderstanding with prejudice and build up good will and reconciliation between races as the church becomes one. Bill continued his education through college and into the military where as a master sergeant he stood in the gap to combat racial disharmony as well. He works with Martha as the Treasurer for Sunshine Ministries and RRCON. They continue to carry on the legacy of racial reconciliation through RRCON that their son William O. Wills Jr. established 31 years ago.

 

Their son William Jr, passed into heaven in 2013, but Martha and Bill immediately stepped into his shoes of overall leadership to continue with the amazing events through the three-day conference held each year. They are beginning now in 2017, to reinstate the Olympic-style procession of ministries, leaders and church organizations that open a grand ceremony the first night. The next night ministry continues with community-wide participation in a multicultural fine-arts show, a beautiful expression of God’s Glory through praise music, art and dance. The Saturday morning workshops are followed by an evening banquet which features outside speakers who share their personal experiences while exploring cultural differences and misunderstandings that they believe often cause conflict. This year will also celebrate 31 years hosting a Fall Festival at their church through Sunshine Ministries, which serves the local community in Tucson.

 

William and Martha Wills had three lovely children; Pastor William O. Wills Jr (graduated into Heaven), Regina Wills, and Constance Wills. They are grandparents to Candace Wills-Hodge and great-grandparents to Jaylin, Joelle and Jurnee.

 

Having experienced racism first hand, both Martha and Bill have overcome intense racial conflict with a heart to create unity instead, and are strong advocates for the Racial Reconciliation Conference and workshops. They are grateful for the help of many dedicated supporters and participants over the last 31 years, and look forward to many years of their legacy continuing through these events to reach the community.

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Martin Luther King Drum Major Award

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The 33nd Annual Drum Major Awards
“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”

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Dear Mr. & Mrs. Wills:
Congratulation to you both for being selected as the 2018 Drum Major Award. The Tucson Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee kickoff Black History Month with the 33nd Annual Drum Major Awards. The Drum Major Award was created from the words of Dr. Martin Luther King’s sermon The Drum Major Instinct. Dr. King preached this sermon from the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church on February 4, 1968

The Drum Major Award has been given to individuals or organizations for their unselfish service to their community, individuals, or significant causes that improve the quality of life of others. Dr. King stated “Every man (women) must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Your continued work with the Racial Reconciliation Community Outreach Network (RRCON) has been a valued program in our community for over two decades.

 

You have join an outstanding list of individuals and organizations that have earned the recognition of “Drum Major”. Ms. Betty Liggins a long time community activist has the distinction of being the first awardee in 1985.

Sincerely,
Clarence Boykins
Chairperson

 

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CITY OF TUCSON

WARD 5 COUNCIL OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AND RECOGNITION

MARTHA AND WILLIAM WILLS

CONGRATULATION ON YOUR 65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

 

 On behalf of Ward Five and the City of Tucson, we would like to congratulate you as you celebrate you 65th Wedding Anniversary.

 As longtime residents of our great city, you have given so much to our community.  Your legacy continues through the wonderful children that you have raised.  It is with great honor and privilege that this certificate is presented to you as you have reached this wonderful milestone in your life.   May our lord continue to bless you with good health and happiness.  

 Happy 65th Anniversary and May God Bless You and your family!

 Richard G. Fimbres, council member

April 6, 2018

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THE CITY OF TUCSON

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary

Presented to

William and Martha Wills

 

On behalf of the people of Tucson it is with pleasure that this certificated is presented to you.

 You met while stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and married at the base chapel.  William’s career took you around the country and to England.  You moved to Tucson in 1969.

 With a goal of Racial Reconciliation, you held the first Awaking Conference in 1987.  Your work has continued over the years through Sunshine Ministries and The Racial Reconciliation Community Outreach Network.  The most recent Awaking Conference was held in June 20, 2017.

 Thank you for your community outreach and work to remove racial barriers.  I trust you continue to look forward to each day, taking pleasure and enjoyment in family, friends and favorite activities.   Congratulation on your sixty-five together!

 Given under my hand, and Seal of the City of Tucson, Arizona, this 4th day of April 2018.

 Signed by Jonathan Rothschild, Mayor

April 4, 2018

 

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CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION

Presented to

William and Martha Wills

 

On behalf of the citizens of Pima County, it is a pleasure to congratulate you on the renewal of your vows and to join you in the joyous celebration of your lasting love and marriage.

 I, along with your family, friends and neighbors, pay special tribute to your continuing service to our community that has enriched the lives of so many.

The blessings of the love you have for each other and for your beauty family has in turn been a blessing to all the people whose lives you have touched over the years.  Together you have both have made Pima County a better place.

You are an inspiration to all who know you and it is my hope that this day will be very special.

Once again, Happy Anniversary and Congratulation on 65 years of laughter joy and love!

Ramon Valadez, Pima County Supervisor, District TWO

April 6, 2018