Lela Howard, Founder and President, of The Mary Pearl Willis Foundation began her career as a background singer, model and actress, sharing the stage with many well known artists, but as most in the business are quick to realize, nothing matters if your family is not there to share in the blessings.  There is one family member Lela has longed to share the blessings with, but unfortunately she lost her aunt Pearl in 1978 and October 2006 she learned there was nothing to mark her beloved aunt’s grave.  

She contacted the cemetery and was informed her grave could not be found.  Plots or maps recording burials did not exist before 1985 and if for her peace of mind a plaque or marker could be placed anywhere in the cemetery, to represent her aunt’s final resting place.  This was completely unacceptable and the reality of this conversation taking place with anyone else and they feel alone, afraid to question and battle with officials for what is right hearts in regards to this very emotional matter is how it began.  

The Mary Pearl Willis foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007.  Our mission is to connect people, organizations, and resources to help build a world where unmarked graves and leaving unclaimed love ones at the coroner’s office due to lack of funds are not an option.  Statistics confirm life insurance and pre-need arrangements are often non existence in low income families and urban areas.  Lela understands, as a parent, she works hard to maintain a home, make ends meet and maintain a sense of peace in her home and acknowledges that she lived in the "right now," not thinking about pre-need arrangements, but this has changed.

After having first hand experience dealing with City officials, she knows how to fight for the rights of those without a voice.  Everyone deserves a proper burial.  She made a promise to restore her aunt’s dignity and have her memory respected, both have been accomplished.  Lela will continue to honor her aunt, by helping the forgotten and people who need help during very emotional times when dealing with the loss of a loved one.