Frankie Mae Willis

Frankie Mae Fink Willis

December 11, 1937 – December 9, 2025

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Frankie Mae Fink Willis, who left this world peacefully on December 9, 2025, at the age of 87, in Crab Orchard, West Virginia, in the home where she was born. She was surrounded by her children, embraced by love, hugs, and kisses, exactly as she lived her life.

Frankie Mae was born on December 11, 1937, in Crab Orchard, WV, to Clyde and Beulah Fink. A true daddy’s girl, she was raised loved and supported by her grandparents, parents, brother and sisters. Her childhood was filled with roller skating, playful mischief with her brother, and a strong sense of responsibility - always helping, always caring, always putting others first. Even as a young girl, Frankie Mae was a caretaker at heart, a role she carried with pride throughout her entire life.

Frankie Mae found her calling serving as a labor and delivery nurse, a profession she was deeply passionate about. She dedicated over 20 years to nursing in West Virginia and Michigan, offering compassion, strength, and reassurance to countless families.

To so many, she was lovingly known as Frankie Mae, Mommy, or Memaw. She was strong, resilient, and beautiful, loving unconditionally and believing deeply in forgiveness. She listened without judgment, never turned anyone away. She had a gift for conversation and an ability to make people feel truly seen, heard, and special. She delighted in sharing stories of her youth, getting “dolled up,” dancing, and listening to classic country music. She carried herself with independence and grace, and her cheeky humor and warm smile brought joy wherever she went.

In her final days, she spent those precious moments at home surrounded by family. Just days before her passing, her loved ones gathered to celebrate her birthday early so she could enjoy laughter, stories, and the warmth of those she held dear. She remained exactly who she always was—smiling, giving kisses, and telling everyone she loved them.

There is comfort in knowing she has gained her wings as a beautiful angel and is now reunited with those she missed so dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughters Vivian Gillum-Bellingham and Debra Willis, grandchildren Angel Lucio and David W Melendez, and her siblings Ralph Fink, Nancy Gonzales, and her sister-and-best friend Ellen Law.

She is survived by her children: Rita, Crystal, Katherine, Lisa, Jessie II (Beth), and Alan Willis. Her legacy continues through her 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, each carrying a piece of her remarkable heart.

Graveside services will be held on December 20th at 1:00 pm

Location: Mount Tabor Cemetery followed by a dinner to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?dedication=1&sjfaq-memorialdonation-text