Dr. Willie Antonio Criss

Dr. Willie Antonio Criss, affectionately known as "Mr. Willie," was born on July 25, 1986, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Minnie P. Criss. As the youngest of his siblings, he carried a joyful, spirited presence that touched everyone around him.

Willie was baptized at a young age at East Percy Christian Church, Greenwood, Mississippi under the leadership of Pastor Arron Johnson. He loved God deeply, and his faith shaped the way he lived, loved, and served others.

He was a proud 2004 graduate of Greenwood High School, where he built lifelong friendships and began shaping the path that would lead him to service, scholarship, and leadership.

Willie lived a life filled with purpose, joy, and connection. He had the most infectious smile and a personality that made people feel instantly welcomed. He never met a stranger - every person became a friend.

He loved cars, and one of the proudest moments of his life was getting his dream car, a Buick Roadmaster, which he lovingly named Ruby Pearl. He cherished his family deeply and adored his wife, Jessica, with whom he shared eight beautiful years. They were united in marriage on November 18, 2023, a day he often described as one of the happiest of his life.

Willie proudly served his country as a United States Marine, a role that strengthened his discipline, leadership, and commitment to service. He was also a devoted Jackson State University alumnus - he loved JSU with all his heart. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2009, a Master of Public Health in 2012, and ultimately completed his Doctor of Public Health in 2025, fulfilling a lifelong dream of academic excellence.

In August 2023, Willie began working for the Veterans Benefits Administration as a Veterans Service Representative. He took great pride in serving those who had served their country. He enjoyed talking with and learning about his fellow veterans, always offering encouragement, understanding, and compassion. Willie was well respected on his job, admired for his professionalism, his kindness, and the genuine care he showed to every veteran he assisted. His work allowed him to continue his lifelong mission of service.

Health and fitness were also important parts of Willie's life. He worked out in the gym almost seven days a week and found joy not only in staying active but also in the fellowship and mentoring he experienced there. The gym was a place where he built community, inspired others, and continued to grow in strength and discipline.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie P. Criss; his grandparents, Willie Moorehead and Josephine Moorehead; and his nephew, Tommie Criss.

He leaves to cherish his beautiful memory: his loving and devoted wife, Jessica H. Criss; siblings, Linda Johnson of Greenwood, MS, Tommie Criss and Rhodesia Criss, both of Memphis, TN; aunt, Joe Ann (Eddie Richard) Cates of Terry, MS; uncles, Willie L. Criss and Charlie L. Criss both of Greenwood, MS; nieces, Rhodesia Johnson of Greenwood, MS and Jaia Mills of Memphis, TN; nephews, Jiyee Weathers and Rodarius Criss both of Memphis, TN; his loving mother-in-law, Wanda H. Edwards of Fairfield, AL and a host of cousins, extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Willie lived with a heart full of love, a spirit full of joy, and a faith that never wavered. He touched lives with kindness, lots of laughter, and sincerity. His legacy is one of service - to God, to his family, his friend, and to his fellow veterans. Though his earthly journey has ended, the impact of his life will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.