Betty Jean Woodward Willard

It is with profound sorrow and yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Betty Jean Woodward Willard, who departed this world on February 26, 2025, at the venerable age of 92. Born August 14, 1932, in Mobile, Alabama, Betty graced our lives with her unwavering dedication and loving spirit.

Betty was the cherished daughter of Ethel Marie Downing and William M. Woodward, both of whom preceded her in death, along with her brothers, William M. Woodward, Jr. and Robert F. Woodward. She also endured the heartache of losing her beloved son, Eric Kipling Willard, and her daughter, Sherry Bouler. Despite these deep personal losses, Betty's strength was truly inspiring.

Betty is survived by a loving family whose lives she enriched with her wisdom and warmth. Her daughters, Ivy Adams (Tommy), Cathy Larison, (David) and Tammy Carpenter (Doug), along with her sons, Robert Reindl, Jr. (Kim), Rusty Bouler (Ginger), and Timothy Robinson (Paulene), cherish her memory. In addition to her children, she leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Lee, April, Dayna, Erik, Victoria, Christopher, Jennifer, Shannon, David, Morrgan, Kelsey and Cooper along with additional great and great-great grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit will continue to guide them even as they mourn the gap her departure leaves in their lives.

Renowned for her steadfast nature and resilience, Betty was a woman whose daily acts of commitment spoke volumes. Her early mornings began softly with the rising sun, a hot cup of coffee in her presence as the vibrant red cardinals called. Those quiet moments mirrored her own vibrant nature—dependable, trustworthy, and inherently capable.

Betty was a single Mom who went out every day for over forty years to take care of her family. She worked in customer service and business relations over that time and earned her a ten year award for her services at CitiCorp in Mobile, AL. She also worked for Gayfer’s and Metzger’s and was even a Univac Belle with Remington Rand in her younger years.

Betty's faith in Christianity was moderate yet deeply personal, interwoven with her life of service to others. She dedicated over 2,000 hours to the Senior Companion Program of Mobile County, earning the prestigious Gold Award from the President's Volunteer Service Award. Her kindness and compassion illuminated her community and left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege to know her.

A service to honor the incredible journey of Betty's life will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. All who were touched by her grace and kindness are invited to gather in remembrance.

As we bid farewell to Betty, we find solace in the words of Patrick O’Leary:

“There’s a place I travel when I want to roam; and nobody knows it but me…” In these words, perhaps, lies a fragment of Betty’s spirit—exploring realms beyond our sight, yet forever in our hearts.

In memory of Betty, let us remember the legacy of love and dedication she leaves behind, as we hold her stories and laughter dear, in the sacred spaces of our hearts.