Alberta Curry Willis
Alberta Curry Willis departed from this life early Sunday morning March 9, 2025. She was born to the late Annie Ruth Curry and Albert Alston (step-father Robert Curry Sr.). Alberta attended the Peekskill School district and graduated in 1960, then attended business school and retired from VA Hospital in Montrose after over 30 years of service in year 2000.
On Nov. 27, 1964 she married the late Thomas Earl Willis Sr. who was her best friend and life partner until he departed this place in 2008. Alberta has been a member at Mt. Olivet since the age of 10. In her lifetime she served in many ministries: Trustees, choir Missionary, scholarship, youth director, after school program vacation bible school, kitchen and silent partner to praise dance ministry. Alberta also served as trustee of Peekskill NAACP for several years. Alberta served as president of the board of the Family Resource Center in Peekskill.
Alberta had many names by her family Willis called her Al, children called her Bert and Tam called her Tough Cookie. Alberta was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Alberta and Willis were foster parents for several years raising many children. Alberta loved helping others; you could always count on her. Alberta will be remembered for her love and dedication to others.
Alberta was preceded in death by first son Michael Thomas Willis, mother Annie Ruth Curry, father Albert Alston, stepfather Robert Curry Sr., brothers Robert Curry Jr. and Brenda Curry, Joe and Doris Alston, sister Ann (Bee) and Alfred (Che) Briscoe, sister-in-law Karen Conterea, Agnes and Vernon Willis, Emily Clayton, mother-n-law Rita Rodriguez and best and traveling partner Marva Roberts.
She is survived by her brother James Curry, her children Tamara, Thomas E. Willis Jr., (TJ), Johnna, Brandon Hamilton Sr. (Eileen), and Joanna, along with many grandchildren, nieces and nephews and great-grandson.
Bessie Johnson
Bessie Johnson, 77 years old, a Peekskill resident since 1956, died March 13, 2025. She was born in Millen, Georgia on May 27, 1947, to Leodis and Willie Lee Campbell. She worked as a certified nurse’s aide at Cortlandt Health Care Center where she retired from after many years of helping elderly residents.
Bessie was a devoted daughter, loyal sister, wife, fierce mother, and faithful friend. She enjoyed travel cruises with her girlfriends, family vacations, and traveling to visit her grandchildren. She is survived by her son Christopher Johnson and his wife Genita; daughter LaCresha Johnson and her partner Harold; daughter-in-law Kimberly Johnson; six grandchildren, Christina Johnson, Jerad Getter, Nicole Cook, Kyler Johnson, Jordan Johnson, and Cameron Johnson; and one great grandchild, Waylen Cook. She was preceded in death by her husband Alex M. Johnson; son Kimble M. Johnson; parents Leodis and Willie Lee Campbell; and her brother Leodis Campbell Jr.
