Willie Earl Lott

January 27, 1937 ~ September 30, 2026

Willie Earl Lott, age 89, found eternal rest in the arms of the Lord with his family by his side on September 
30th, 2026. Wille was born on January 27th, 1937, to the union of Herman and Flora (McClendon) Lott in 
Cleveland, MS.

As a child Willie moved to South Bend, IN with his mother and sister after the passing of his father. He went to 
South Bend Community Schools starting at Oliver Elementary until graduating from Washington High School. 
Afterward he enlisted in the United States Army. Upon serving, he married Betty Mae Smith on December 29th, 
1957, and started a beautiful family. 

Willie began a stern work ethic at a young age. He worked on his father’s farm. Whether it was working a plow 
bigger than him or tending to animals he did the work. As a teenager he worked at the local bowling alley as a 
pinsetter to contribute to the home. When he began his own family, he obtained his barber’s license and
moved his family to Gary, IN. He worked in the Steel Mills for several years before returning to South Bend and 
getting a job with Kaiser Jeep, now known as AM General Corporation. With a dedicated work ethic Willie 
became a supervisor, maintaining his position for over two decades. Even in retirement he put his CDL 
license to work and obtained a position he enjoyed for South Bend Community Schools as a bus driver. 
Throughout several decades Willie maintained his barber license and cut hair at Al’s House of Style. There 
was a time he even remodeled part of his garage into a barber shop. He didn’t believe in “not working”. As a 
child he was once asked, “Who’s your daddy”? He was confident to say he was his own daddy. Losing his 
father as a boy installed a manly strength in him. He was a great provider for his family.

At the age of 42, Willie dedicated his life to the Lord. Faithful in prayer, studying the bible and fellowship, he 
loved to attend Sunday school and volunteer at the nursing home. Willie was a lifelong learner of the 
teachings of Christ. He enjoyed traveling and especially taking road trips. In doing so, he could always plan 
for his favorite hobby fishing. He enjoyed the solace of the sport. Willie also loved to keep a nice lawn and 
garden. He would spend hours maintaining its natural beauty. Home improvements were another affinity of 
Willie’s. He loved to transform his ideas to update and beautify the home. 

Willie is survived by his children Brandon E. (Rosemary) Lott, Bethany Harris, Shannon Lott and Laurel Lott of
South Bend, IN. Daughter-in-law Natalie Lott of Indianapolis, IN. Grandchildren: Tennille Lott of Atlanta, GA, 
Christopher (Latrice) Redding, Sr. of South Bend, IN. Rachel (David) Mckissic, Brandon S. Lott of Indianapolis, 
IN. Krystina Lott of Dallas, TX. And many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. 
All to cherish his memory.

Preceding him in death are his wife Betty Mae Lott, daughter Shari Lynn Moore, son Randall Stephan Lott, 
parents Herman and Flora Lott, paternal grandmother Alma Lott, sister Vernell Jennings, nephews Ray 
Jennings and Brayleon Jennings

Special Thanks to:
Ernestine Raclin Center for Hospice
Brickyard Fountainview Care Center
Carillo’s Landscape LLC
Calvary Baptist Church
Elder Robert L. Hunt
Those McKissic’s Photography

Services Tuesday  October 13, 2026 Viewing 10AM, Celebration of life 11AM Calvary Church Burial Highland Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolences may be shared.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elder Willie Earl Lott, please visit our floral store.

Services

Viewing

Tuesday
October 13, 2026, 10:00 AM
Calvary Church
3001 W. Cleveland Rd.
South Bend, IN 46628

Celebration of Life

Tuesday
October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM
Calvary Church
3001 W. Cleveland Rd.
South Bend, IN 46628

Burial

Highland Cemetery
2257 Portage Ave.
SOUTH BEND, IN 46628

Added 10/28/2026 1810  GMS 

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/ElderWillie-Lott