Anna Louise Willis, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at her home in Fort Smith, Arkansas, surrounded by her family. She was 83 years old. Anna was a member of Vally View Church of Christ.
Born on July 4, 1941, in the Excelsior community near Greenwood, Arkansas, Anna was the daughter of Annie Babe Griffin and Horace Douglas Griffin. She was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband, Phillip Gene Willis and her brother, Floyd Michael Griffin.
Anna was the epitome of love, kindness, and devotion to her family. She is survived by her two daughters, Jan Burgess and her husband, Mark and Jill Champion and her husband, Curt. Her legacy lives on in her five grandchildren, Taylor and his wife, Jordan Burgess, Emily and her husband, Andrew England, Weston Burgess, Garrett Copeland and Mason Copeland. Anna was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Sage England, and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of a great-grandson, Ellis in September.
After working for 38 years, Anna retired from Baldor Industries in Fort Smith, Arkansas where she made lifelong friendships and earned the respect of her colleagues. She dedicated herself to enjoying the things that brought her joy, especially her family. She was known as "Nanny" to her grandchildren, and her love for them was immeasurable. Anna had a special fondness for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and she loved cheering on her grandchildren in their sports and academic endeavors. She was also known for her occasional visits to the casino, a pastime she enjoyed with friends and family.
Anna’s family was the center of her world, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that will never be forgotten.
A funeral service in Anna's honor will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 23 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial at Huntington Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5 – 7 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
Anna wanted to thank Dr. Frederick Meadors, Dr. Donald Shows, and Dr. Allen Beachy for the special care that they provided her throughout the years.
Anna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
