Bishop Anthony Willis was born in Oakland, California.  His Godly parents, the late Superintendent A. D. Willis and State Supervisor Martha F. Willis, biblically trained him in the word.  Although he desired a football career, God orchestrated a different plan for his life.  Even as a young man, he faithfully worked with his father in many areas of the church.  He is a skillful musician and would play lead guitar until devils had to flee.  He served as Junior Pastor for approximately 3 years.

In 1987 Superintendent A. D. Willis’ health began to fail and Bishop Anthony Willis became Co-Pastor of Lily of the Valley C.O.G.I.C.  After the demise of his father, Bishop German Ross appointed him as Pastor.  In addition, he served in the California North Central Jurisdiction under Bishop German Ross as (Y.P.W.W. President), under Bishop Martin Clifton as (Chairman of the Executive Board) and under Bishop Donald Murray as (Administrative Assistant).  In 1993 the ministry was renamed, Lily of the Valley Christian Center where he continues to serve as Senior Pastor.  Bishop Willis has a vision for the total man.  He initiated several outreach projects, which included the following:  Project New Start – (Emergency Housing), Foster Families Network – (Family Awareness Program), Project Lily L.O.V.E. – (HIV/AIDS Ministry), Pneuma Hagion – (Prostitution Outreach Ministry), A. L Willis Life Center – (Youth Activities/Counseling & Tutorial Program).

As a developer, Bishop Anthony Willis was instrumental in the strategic planning and development of the City of Oakland E Street (off-street parking) project.  Through his vision and leadership, the Lily of the Valley Christian Center family has constructed a sanctuary, one that allows them to reach and spread the gospel to a broader spectrum of people.  They have purchased (4) houses and (1) apartment complex.  The building project for the A. L. Willis Life Center is currently in construction. This facility will house a Health Clinic (Healthy Oakland), a basketball gymnasium, a full industrial kitchen, class/meeting rooms and additionally will house all youth programs.

Bishop Willis was consecrated to the office of Bishop in 2004.  He is a mentor to many Pastors in the Bay Area and abroad.  These Pastors were drawn by his love for God and his passion for encouraging and building ministries.  Under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he formed a comradeship that is now recognized as P.U.R.E. Ministries International Fellowship Churches.  As Chief Apostle over this fellowship he collaborates with (25) churches and a host of Outreach Ministries.  Bishop Anthony Willis has a ministry that reaches far beyond denominational barriers.  He has traveled throughout the United States and abroad proclaiming the gospel of Christ.  He received the opportunity to spread the gospel in the Bahamas, Canada and several parts of Africa.  In 2002, Bishop Willis was inspired to minister in Nigeria Africa and in 2006, he returned to establish Lily of the Valley Masterpiece in Boksburg Africa.

Bishop Willis attended Shiloh Bible College and Urban Missions Theological Seminary both located in the city of Oakland.  He was the recipient of the 2004 Ambassador for Peace Award from the Inter-religious and International Federation for World Peace.  He has gained special recognition for transcending racial, national and religious barriers.  In January 2006, Bishop Willis was appointed by the United Chaplains International Worldwide Outreach as Assistant Director of the California Region.

Bishop Willis married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Marie Willis.  His marital experience of 43 years has been the core of the establishment of a prominent Couples Ministry.  Many have been tremendously influenced to maintain strong morals and family values through this ministry.  He is a loving husband, father and grandfather.