Bishop Dr Willa Grant Battle

Obituary for Bishop Dr. Willa Grant Battle Bishop Dr. Willa Grant Battle, a pioneering pastor, educator, missionary, and community leader, peacefully entered eternal rest at her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the age of 101 on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Her extraordinary life was marked by unwavering faith, lifelong service, and a global ministry that transformed countless lives. Willa Lee Grant was born in the state of Mississippi, where she attended public schools and later Saints Junior College in Lexington, Mississippi. At the age of 10, she was led to the Lord by Mother Fanny Beck, a state mother of the Church of God In Christ. At age 15, she embraced the Pentecostal experience, receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit—an encounter that became the cornerstone of her ministry and calling. On July 4th, 1941, while others celebrated the independence of the nation, Willa Grant united in holy matrimony with Rev. Dr. Walter Leroy Battle, beginning a lifelong journey of love, faith, and partnership that spanned 54 years and five months, until his passing on December 14th, 1995. In 1946, Minnesota became home to the Battle family, opening doors for continued education and expanding ministry. A passionate advocate for education, Dr. Battle enrolled at Northwestern College, majoring in Theology and graduating in 1956. She continued her studies at the University of Minnesota, earning her bachelor’s degree with honors (cum laude), majoring in American Studies with a minor in Afro-American History and Music History. Graduate studies at the University of Minnesota led to a Master of Arts in American Studies. Committed to theological scholarship, she later entered Trinity Seminary in Newburg, Indiana, where on August 7th, 1982, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Religion. Her dissertation focused on Black Churches in Minneapolis, reflecting her deep commitment to faith and community. She received an Honorary Doctorate from St. Cloud State University. Dr. Battle’s leadership extended across religious, educational, and civic spheres. She held membership in the American Association of University Women, the American Association of University Professors, the National Council of Negro Women, Christian Educators, Executive Women, and the Ministerial Alliance of Minneapolis. She was a life member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and the NAACP, served on the Stairstep Foundation Community Reclamation Project Council of Elders, and was a former board member of Twin Cities Opportunities Industrialization Center (TCOIC). Her name was honored in the 15th edition of Who’s Who Among American Women. She also served on the board of Cedar Riverside People, supporting initiatives including a medical clinic, veterinary clinic, Way to Grow, and Senior Citizens programs. Dr. Battle was the co-founder and pastor of Grace Temple Deliverance Center, and president of Willa Grant Battle Center and Grace Temple Ministries, all base in Minneapolis. She also co-founded Gospel Temple in St. Paul, MN. Her vision extended far beyond U.S. borders. She was the founder of the House of Refuge Missions in Haiti, West Indies, where she established numerous churches and schools. Through her tireless missionary work of 70 years in Haiti, she built and completed the Doris Akers Memorial High School, Willa Grant Battle Elementary School, a kindergarten, mission home, and the Good Samaritan Hospital, which opened on July 1st, 2002, on the Willa Grant Battle Campus in Boutillier, Haiti. The hospital provides free services in a remote area of the country. Dr. Battle’s life was a living sermon—one of faith in action, scholarship with purpose, and love without borders. Her legacy endures through the churches she founded, the institutions she built, the leaders she mentored, and the countless lives she uplifted. She is survived by her daughter, Rev. Glarushia Davis of St. Paul. Two grandchildren, Walter L. Davis of Minneapolis, and Willi Davis Martin of Lawrenceville, GA. Six great grandchildren: Ashley Wall, Westly Davis, DeMico Davis, Justin Martin, Walter Davis Jr., and Jaylen Martin. Sister-in-law, Bessie Battle, brother-in-law, Bishop Bob Battle (Wilma), Sister-in-law, Evangelist-Missionary Louella Pittman, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A true soldier of the cross. To God be all the glory. SERVICES Celebration of Life Monday February 16th, and Tuesday 17th, 2026 3pm to 7pm CST Memorial Service Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 10am to 2pm CST Location For Each Service Grace Temple 1908 4th Ave. South Minneapolis, MN 55404 Interment Lakewood Cemetery

Bishop Dr Willa Grant Battle

September 30, 1924 - January 24, 2026