Willa Jean (Batch) Pinnix

Willa Jean (Batch) Pinnix 93, said her final farewell to the world on Sunday, August 9, 2020, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was preceded in death by her late husband, William B. Pinnix and three sisters, Olive Marie Micheaux, Charlotte Ella Nelson, and Lorene Elizabeth McCrae.

Willa was born on February 22, 1927, in Elizabeth, PA. She was the daughter of the late William Wesley Batch and Hazel Lee (Brinegar) Batch of Elizabeth where she lived and grew up. She and her four sisters were inseparable and known fondly throughout the area as “The Batch Girls.” The sisters remained tightly bonded throughout their entire lives.

Willa fell in love and married the late William B. Pinnix of Pittsburgh, PA and moved to the East End of Pittsburgh (Homewood) where they raised their three children, Hazel Lee, Mark William, and Michael Brinegar.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and caring grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. After raising her children, Willa began working for the Presbyterian University Hospital, Central Laboratory Information Center where she later retired. She was a faithful member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church (Homewood) where she served on the Usher Board

Willa was a sports and arts enthusiast, watching and cheering for her children and grandchildren on the playing fields, basketball courts, and theaters. She was their number one fan! Like her sisters, she had a special love for the Steelers, and you could find her every Sunday either cheering or yelling for her favorite football team.

When it came to cooking, Willa was often referred  to as Mary Poppins, who could whip together a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings in the blink of an eye on any given Sunday. When her grandchildren would visit, she would take breakfast orders including pancakes, omelets, hash browns, bacon or sausage. Her recipes for her apple/peach cobbler and cherry pies are still a mystery to all who enjoyed every bite at the family reunions.

One of her most special traits that everyone loved about her was her ability to take care of people. She had a caregiver's heart who selflessly put others first. Her love was unconditional, and she would always lift your spirits after spending time with her. Over the years, Willa became a quiet advocate for the elderly including herself.  She was an independent senior who lived on her own, and she wanted all seniors to feel empowered, respected, and valued. Willa always had a sharp haircut, sported the latest fashion, and was known for her stiletto shoes. At 90, Willa was still driving her Buick back and forth to the store.

Willa is survived by her daughter, Hazel Lee Smith of Turtle Creek, PA; two sons, Mark W. (Sherese) Pinnix of Verona, PA, Michael B. (Crystal) Pinnix of Monmouth Junction, NJ; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Laura Mae Bell of Pittsburgh, PA; and a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in her honor to fulfilling dreams in eldercare communities across the United States by visiting  www.secondwind.org.

**A WALK THROUGH VIEWING FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 10:00 AM AT HEAVENLY VISION MINISTRIES. FOLLOWED BY A PRIVATE SERVICE AT 11:00 AM. ALL VISITORS ARE ASKED TO WEAR MASKS AND BE MINDFUL OF SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING EACH SERVICE**

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