Jonibel was born August 3, 1944, in Morehead City, NC. She was predeceased by her parents, “Mr. John” (John Davis Willis) and “Miss Sara” (Sara Belle Herring Willis). Jonibel regarded her parents as kind, loving, and very supportive of her educational endeavors and career.
She attended East Carolina University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education. While at ECU, she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received two master’s degrees: one in curriculum and instruction and one in school administration.
Jonibel was employed by Raleigh City Schools and Wake County Public School System for 40 years. She served as an elementary school teacher, an elementary school principal, and an area superintendent.
Jonibel was a member of the Women’s Club of Raleigh and served on the NC State Ethics Committee for five years. She was active with the First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh for over 40 years. Jonibel also enjoyed membership in the International Turtle Club.
She is survived by cousins Charlotte Hodges Maxwell, Goldsboro, NC, and family; Dr. Frank Hodges, Lakeland, FL, and family; and Tom Herring, Beaufort, NC, and family.
Her family will hold a private service at a later date.
Memorial donations are welcome and may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 112 South Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601; the Springmoor Endowment Fund, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh, NC 27615; and/or a charitable organization of one’s choice.
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC, is handling her final arrangements.
