Jennie Teresa Willis

Jennie Teresa Willis, 95, of Springfield, passed away at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2010 at St. John's Hospital. Jennie was born June 11, 1915 in Shelbytown, IL, the daughter of John and Elbina Biscontinie Paoni. She married Ernest Willis in 1936 and he preceded her in death in 1966. Jennie worked for many years at John W. Hobbs Manufacturing Co. as an assembler and later went to work as a bailiff for the Sangamon Co. Sherriff's Dept until her retirement in 1992. She was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and AARP. She enjoyed dancing, especially polka and the waltz and loved to cook and bake. She was known to be very patriotic and loved attending parades. She was a very self-sufficient and independent person, who always wanted to do for others. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ross, Sesto, Joseph, John, and Fred Paoni; and sisters, Josephine Giacomini, Susie Iocca and Catherine Montesano. She is survived by her two sons, William (Sharon) Willis of Mountainview, AR and Robert (Terry) Willis of Sherman, IL; two daughters, Suzanne (Jim) Simko and Nancy (Jim) Bartlett, both of Springfield; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 8:30- 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 2010 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 2119 N. 20th St., Springfield with Rev. Tom Donovan, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Aloysius Catholic School, 2125 N. 21st St., Springfield, IL 62702.