Willa Jean Bobbitt Tyler, 84, of Eastway Drive, transitioned Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. She was born in Granville County to the late Garland Bobbitt, Sr and Laura Jane Smith Bobbitt.

Jean matriculated through the Granville County School system and moved to Bronx, New York upon completion. There she worked for the Rockland State Psychiatric Hospital.  Later she returned to North Carolina and was employed at Murdoch Developmental Center for thirteen years ultimately retiring from Revlon after seventeen years of service.

Willa joined the Michael Creek Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.  Later, she rededicated her life to the Lord and joined the White Rock Missionary Baptist Church under her nephew's leadership. There she worked with various entities serving and supporting the church and community respectively.  She loved to attend all worship services and especially appreciated listening to the word and the choirs singing while patting her feet and bobbing her head.  The White Rock Church family loved "Aunt Tootie" and will greatly miss her presence.

Willa Jean will be remembered by her brothers-in-law, Weldon Edmonds, Oxford, North Carolina and Harold Hargrove, Sr. (Dr. Glendora), Bullock, North Carolina; special niece and caretaker, Sharon Burwell (Earnest, Jr.), Oxford, North Carolina; special nephew and caretaker, Reverend Steven Hargrove (Leslie), Henderson, North Carolina; grandchildren, Tevon Pettiford, Myla Pettiford and Matthew Pettiford; great granddaughter, Matilyn Pettiford; nieces, McShell Edmonds, Pamala Foster (Norris, Sr.), Valerie Williams (Shelton, Sr.), Dr. Catherine Edmonds and Bernadette Hester; nephews, Master Gunnery Sgt. Harold Hargrove, Jr., Retired (Dr. Martynetta), Thurman Hester (Tasha), Sammy Hester, Willie Cozart, Jr. and Michael Hargrove; special sister, Antonia Blackwell; a host of great nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2pm Sunday, June 14, 2026 at White Rock Missionary Baptist Church (6537 Old Roxboro Road, Oxford, NC 27565). Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Viewing will be from 12pm to 2pm, Saturday, June 13 at Wright Funeral Home.