1929-1987
Mary Willis was a founder of the Newark Day Care Council in 1967 and Springfield Avenue Community School in 1969. In 1987, she former Springfield Avenue Community school was renamed the Mary Wheeler Willis Day Care Center, in her memory.
Mary was a lifelong resident of Newark. She was the sister of Newark power broker Harry Wheeler. The family lived at 11 Spring Street. She likely graduated Barringer, like her siblings around Jan 1945. She then received a bachelor’s in early childhood education from Rutgers. In 1954 she married McCoy Willis. She worked as a supervisory teacher for the Newark Preschool Council and a case worker for the Department of Welfare.
In 1967, Mary was appointed chief social worker for the Newark Day Care Council, by board president Derek Winans, handling placement of children and family problems, and by 1971 she was serving as director.
By 1969, Mary was the director of the Springfield Avenue Community School, founded January 1969 by the Day Care Council among other groups. The school combined day care with “social relevant educational activities.” She was also chairman of the Experimental Schools Committee, working with other Newark schools. She also helped set up the Superintendents Advisory Council in 1974.
Mary worked for the NJ Department of Education from 1967 to 1976, helping develop day care programs around the country. In the 1970s she taught at Newark State Teachers College and Queens College. She then became area director of the Council for Airport Opportunity.
In 1983, Mary ran for School Board, championing reading and an effective use of money, finishing in the top 10, of over 30 candidates. In 1984 she ran again, backed by Gibson but the slate was defeated. Later in 1984, she helped get astronaut Richard Grabe to visit Newark students. In 1986, she helped back the Amato-Harris slate for Essex County Exec.
Mary was a counselor for Title 1, Churchwomen United and a consultant for the NY Bureau of Early Childhood Education. She was spokeswoman for the Essex County Council for Unity, concerned with children’s problems in the county. She was assistant director for the United Presbyterian Church in Newark for several years. Mary also founded the Sunshine Club of Newark, which served youth and senior citizens. She was on the board of the Newark Preschool Council and the Emanuel Senior Citizen Center.
Bibliography
“Mary Willis, Active in Childhood Education” Star Ledger May 21, 1987
NJ Marriage and Death Index
Census records
Newark school buildings NPSHPC
https://www.nj.com/essex/2016/02/newark_board_oks_plan_to_sell_off_12_former_school.html
“Day Care Appoints 2” Star Ledger Dec 10, 1967
Bishop, Gordon “Cahill Endorses…” Star Ledger Aug 26, 1970
“Wallwork” Star Ledger July 27, 1971
“Richardson asks…” Star Ledger Oct 17, 1971
“US Approves…” Star Ledger Nov 23, 1971
Terrell, Stanley “New panel…” Star Ledger Feb 11, 1974
“Tribute to a former official” Star Ledger Feb 14, 1983
“Rundown of candidates” Star Ledger Apr 4, 1983
“School board roster…” Star Ledger Apr 18, 1983
“Newark school election” Star Ledger Apr 5, 1984
Bailey, Edna “Astronaut…” Star Ledger Oct 21, 1984
“Exec race…” Star Ledger Nov 10, 1986
“School renamed in founders memory” Star Ledger Dec 19, 1988
Wilkerson, Owen “Occupational…” Newark News Oct 15, 1969