Shirley Willis

Shirley was born in Tucson, Arizona on February 21, 1932 to Ruby Irene and James Roy Holloway, though raised by her mother and step father, Lon (Alonzo) Chapman. She was the second of three children, growing up In Tucson and graduating from Amphitheater High School. She went on to take some college classes at the University of Arizona.

While in her 20’s Shirley became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She claimed this changed the trajectory of her life and was always grateful for the added blessings she gained through her faith and activity in the church. She was a faithful member and disciple of Jesus Christ throughout her life. She met and married B. LeRoy Willis while attending the U of A. They lived in Mississippi for two years, then later moved to Phoenix, where they bought a home on Cavalier Drive.

They would raise their four children in this home, and she would proudly (and stubbornly) live in this home for 63 years. She became a single parent at the age of 51, and after 26 years of not being in the workforce, landed a job at Arizona State Department of Education. She worked there for 27 years, making many lifelong friends and received recognition and honors throughout her time there. She finally retired at the age of 78.

Shirley valiantly cared for her oldest daughter, Cheryl, for 62 years due to Cheryl’s intellectual handicap from birth. Shirley not only served her family, especially Cheryl, but she was a friend to all and loved to serve others. She served people she worked with, people in the church, neighbors, relatives, friends and never visited empty-handed. She loved having people in her home as well and hosted weekly single adult evenings, book club parties and craft-making get togethers. She was a master crafter, able to do anything from floral arrangements, wedding cakes, beautiful stitchery projects, hand painted items and of course making thousands of handmade cards in the later years of her life (as recent as weeks ago). She also made thousands and thousands of pounds of peanut brittle, caramels and many other goodies she would share with others. She loved Christmas and all that it represents, redecorating the rooms of her home from floor to ceiling every year.

Shirley was preceded in death by her brother James (“Jimmy”) Holloway and her sister Carol Goetz. She is survived by her children Cheryl, Lon (Ellen), Stacy (Dan) and Byde (Melanie), along with 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren- she adored them all. Shirley will be greatly missed by her family and by so many others who she loved and who have loved her.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2022 10:00 AM at 9543 W. Jomax Road, Peoria, Arizona.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westresthavenfuneralhome.com for the Willis family.