Gospel artiste Shirley Willis, formerly of the Grace Thrillers. - File

Former Grace Thrillers lead singer Shirley Willis is well on the way to full recovery, after months in a coma following a car accident.

Willis was hospitalised at the Kingston Public Hospital on June 18.

According to her ex-husband, Noel Willis Sr, the singer has been out of the coma since early August and has been recovering at home in New York.

Out of the coma

"She got out of the coma and went to a hospital in New York, Westchester Medical Center. She came out and is doing well," Willis told The Gleaner. "She is home and making good progress. I speak with her every day. She is learning to walk again and making baby steps."

Shirley Willis was a member of the classic Grace Thrillers line-up that also included Noel Willis, a founding member.

The group was formed in the early 1970s and had a strong following in church circles, but it was not until the 1980s that the 'Thrillers' found a secular audience.

Willis sang lead on Can't Even Walk, their breakthrough hit which was played in the dancehalls.

She was also featured on Jesus, another song that won the group even more secular fans.

He's Alive and Crown Him were other crossover songs Willis recorded with the 'Thrillers'.

- Sadeke Brooks