THE AMAZING
WANDA RAY WILLIS Article by Carmelita Pittman
AS WANDA looked out at the view from her home in Bermuda, she saw pristine blue waters and blue skies. From the harbor looking West there were rows of houses with white roof tops. At an early age her precocious talent showed itself. By the age of 3 she was dancing as the cute flower girl, and singing in church. Her artistic talent also showed itself. She created beautiful paintings on canvas. Her parents , Eldon and Barbara Raynor gave her guidance which was the foundation for her success. As a youngster her mother took her to see The Sound of Music. She became so inspired that she memorized every note. Dress designed by Wanda Ray Willis. Photo by Kevin Boot 12 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY BLACK CULTURE
During her time at home as an adult she created “Spunk Bubble”, a TV fun reading readiness program for children. Her parents gave her the genes which produced her beauty which has enabled her to portray her idol, Dorothy Dandridge. The stunning resemblance is uncanny. Her brother, Eldon Raynor Jr., also has carried the music genes and plays guitar. Wanda and Eldon became the Raynors, and teamed with the legendary H.B. Barnum, music conductor and arranger extraordinare whose extensive arranging credits include names such as Aretha Franklyn, Frank Sinatra, Billy & Marilyn McCoo and more. The result was a CD which Wanda produced.
