Elizabeth Oatis

Elizabeth Oatis was born on June 20, 1957 in Prentiss, Mississippi the daughter of Albert E. and Edna E. Oatis (Longino). As a teen her family migrated to Danville, Illinois, where she graduated from Danville High School. After graduating in 1976, Elizabeth would go on to take college courses at Danville Area Community College and San Francisco City College.

Elizabeth never married or had children, but she loved and cared for her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She is fondly remembered as an advocate for children, was a daycare provider and opened her home to fostering children. She was a Godmother and an avid volunteer. Elizabeth spent her free time supporting the Illinois Marathon, Gus Macker Basketball Tournament, Champaign-Urbana Day, Taste of Champaign, Champaign County Freedom Celebration, and was an election judge.

Elizabeth was always looking to help other people, volunteering her own personal time, and opened her home to family and friends. She was very organized and was a great bookkeeper. She was unselfish, thought about others before herself and would go without to serve the needs of others. Above all else, God was the center of her life she wanted to make sure she stayed right with Him to make it to heaven.

Elizabeth was committed to her faith and received Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and savior. She began her Christian journey as a member of Mason Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC), often attended services with family at their home churches and later became a member of Grove Street COGIC under the pastorate of the Bishop Robert L. Perry.

Elizabeth was a dedicated church member and served on the Food Service Committee and Usher Board at church.
Elizabeth Oatis transitioned from earth to glory on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 8:06 a.m. peacefully at home.

 
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving Mother, Edna E. Oatis of Danville, IL, Sisters Annie B. Cleveland (Jerry) of Georgetown, IL and Prophetess Gladys D. Oatis of Champaign, IL; Bothers Charles Oatis of Killeen, TX, Hosea Oatis of Rantoul, IL, Mickey Oatis (Patty) of Danville, IL; paternal aunts and uncles who were raised as her siblings Mariah J. Watkins (Leonard) of Sacramento, CA, Josephine Oaties of Sacramento, CA, Hazel Mae Longino of San Francisco, CA, John Willis Stringer of Ohio; nieces and nephews including Marie Polk (Allan), Jermaine Cleveland, Charles Oatis Jr. (Tiffany), Anthony Oatis, Nyesha Dow, Mitchell Oaties, Sheena Huntt (Raymond), Tony Oaties, Jaron Dow, Joshua Oaties, Shay (Nicole) Oaties, Deonte Bradley, Kemora Bradley, and host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Albert E. Oatis; grandparents, Annie and Tom Longino, Harry Oatis and Gladis Butler, Charles C.W. and Lizzie Walker; aunts and an uncle who were like siblings Gladine Pittman, Christine Longino, and Daley Oatis; nephew Daley Oatis Jr., cousins Pasha Jackson, Ta’wton Jackson, and Michael and Marvin Crider and so many others she lost and loved dearly.

Those wishing to celebrate her life and legacy are welcome to attend a Visitation from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, October 28, at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams Street, Danville, IL.

A celebration of life will commence at 12p.m. Friday, October 29, at St. Synagogue Church of God in Christ, 2605 E. Main Street, Danville, IL with a brief visitation preceding the event from 11a.m. to 12p.m. Eulogist will be Bishop Robert L. Perry. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial in Danville.  

Please also feel free to visit Leek & Sons Funeral Home Facebook page for live viewing of funeral services.
 

Condolences can be sent to leekandsonsfuneralhome.com.
The family suggest memorials to: The National Brain Tumor Society, Douglas Library, and the Mass Transit District.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Oatis, please visit our floral store.