Marcia Platt Willis

It is with profound sorrow and great remembrance for a life lived as a follower of Jesus Christ that we announce the peaceful passing of Marcia Platt Willis, who departed on July 25, 2025. Marcia passed away in the very place she called home throughout her life – Atlanta, Georgia – where she was raised and built a loving family with her devoted husband of 58 years.

Born the eldest daughter of Marvin and Margaret Platt, Marcia blossomed in Atlanta, graduating from Northside High School. She married the love of her life, Dr. Gene Willis Jr., on July 29, 1967, in Atlanta, beginning a partnership filled with enduring love and support.

Her vibrant spirit and undeniable Southern charm shone through in every endeavor. Early in her career, she served as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, and later brought her lively personality to the airwaves as a radio assistant at local station WQXI. Her effervescence was celebrated throughout the city, earning her accolades such as Miss Congeniality in the Miss Atlanta contest and the title of Miss Stay & See Atlanta. A truly memorable moment was when she was crowned Dogwood Festival Queen, famously captured in a photograph in Life Magazine alongside the mayor and the first team manager, symbolizing the commencement of the Braves' inaugural game in their new hometown.

Beyond her public charm, her greatest passion was her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ and sharing her faith. She found immense joy and expression through her love for painting and playing hymns on the piano. As a youth Sunday School teacher and an active, cherished member of several churches, including First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Church of the Apostles, and New Covenant Church in Naples, Florida, her life was profoundly guided by her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This deep conviction fueled her beautiful mission to proactively and unapologetically share her faith with countless others, touching many lives with her spiritual warmth, conviction, and boundless love.

Marcia was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Marvin and Margaret Platt. Her legacy of love, faith, and joy lives on through her devoted husband, Dr. Gene Willis Jr., her four cherished children; Mendy Eskew, Mimi LaCrosse, Gene Willis III, and David Willis, their spouses; Rob, Steve, Stefani, and April, her eight adored grandchildren; Stella Jane Eskew, Harris Eskew, Alexis Miller, Bridget Miller, Tate Willis, Ryder Willis, Braylee Willis, and Landon Willis and her dear sister, Melonie Erickson.

A visitation for Marcia will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at H.M. Patterson & Son–Oglethorpe Hill, 4550 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. A funeral service will follow from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with a reception to be held from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at the same location. A private family burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Sandy Springs, GA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Precept.org.