Donated quilt a testament to its creator’s Godly life
Sara Ballentine, center, presented a quilt made by Anna Willis, an African-American artist/quilter, to Southern Wesleyan University March 22. Accepting the quilt was University President Dr. Todd Voss and his wife Julie Voss.
To a casual observer, a quilt is a combination of pretty colors and patterns, but for the observer who lingers, further examination can reveal a deeper insight, not only into the design, but also into the life of the designer.
Sara Ballentine donated a quilt made by Anna Willis, an African-American artist and quilter, to Southern Wesleyan University, where it will go on display in the commons room of Bryant Lodge, located on the Central Campus.
Willis, who passed away in August 2015, created the quilt in 2007. Ballentine, who is serving as executor of Willis’ estate, described Willis as a devout woman who was frugal and had a work ethic that never ended, even in her waning days. Her philosophy was that one “should love Jesus, follow His Word, love your fellowman of all colors, and finally go home to live with Jesus.”
The Basket Quilt is made from salesmen’s samples given to Willis through Heirlooms and Comforts, a quilt shop Sara and her husband Bobby Ballentine own. After hearing of Anna’s struggle to maintain her home with only the disability income from Social Security, the shop donated the samples. Willis made quilts with African village themes as well as traditional quilt patterns and sold those to people in the local area to supplement her fixed income.
Having received her high school diploma in 1978 after attending night school in the adult education program of Oconee County, she practiced the accounting skills learned in a business accounting class. Willis had many ingrained habits that defined her life, including reading her Bible each night before going to bed. One of the last great pleasures of her life after she was unable to drive was to go to church with the Ballentine family.
“She was a glowing light for her faith and her example of how to love your neighbor,” Sara said.
Bobby and Sara are members of Southern Wesleyan’s Board of Visitors.
A replica in paint of one of Anna Willis’s African themed quilts can be seen on the front of the Arts Center of Clemson. It is a depiction of how she thought of life in a village in Africa and a part of the Quilt Heritage Trail of the Upstate.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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