Bessie Cox Willis

Bessie Cox Willis, 99, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 6, 2012, surrounded by family. She was born in Vass, NC on April 1, 1913. Bessie and her husband, Mac, moved to Cary from the eastern shore of Virginia in 1949. She worked as a registered nurse while raising her family. A longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Eastern Star and White Shrine, she was known for her gentle loving nature and for giving of her time to others. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and playing piano, and was well known for her gifts of knitted dishcloths. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Willis is survived by her children, John Malcolm Willis (Norma), David Randall Willis (Shirley), Sue Willis Wylie (Dave), Stephen Land Willis (Rose) and Mary Bess Willis Beerman (Scott); 16 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; her sister Retha Cox Lewis; and ten nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm Badger Willis; four brothers and two sisters.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. October 10, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, 117 S. Academy Street, Cary,

NC 27511. Burial will be atJohnson Grove Cemetery in Vass, NC.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Alzheimer’s Association - Eastern NC Chapter, 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh NC 27609.

The family wishes to thank Amedisys Hospice and Hospice of Wake County, and a special thanks to Reggie, Amy and Connie.

Condolences may be sent through www.brownwynnecary.com