Guadalupe Willis Smith

Guadalupe Willis-Smith passed away on June 29th, 2023 at 4:50 P.M. EST. Lupe was the eldest of nine and was Born on December 12th, 1940, in Hildago, TX. Lupe spent 82 wonderful years spreading love, joy, and plenty of sass to any and all around her. Lupe was an amazing wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to so many. A comfort to many, most of her time was spent caring for her family, her friends, and her beloved pets, which gave her much joy in life.

While in Fort Hood, Killeen, TX, Lupe met the love of her life, David A Willis Sr (7/8/1942-11/30/1984), and the two were wed on August 12th, 1961. They welcomed their first Son David A Willis Jr in 1962 and soon moved to Jacksonville, FL, where they welcomed their second son Steven Willis (3/22/1963-8/31/2011). Lupe and David Sr were married for 23 loving years and raised two beautiful sons together. Later on in life, Lupe married Robert(Bob) Smith (10/12/1940-4/29/2007) on September 12th, 2005, and enjoyed two years of marriage together.

Those of us who were Blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint Lupe left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that she stayed here. Lupe's children and extended family meant to world to her and was arguably the most important achievement in her life.

Lupe was a social butterfly and enjoyed many meals and time with family and friends, thrifting, garage sales, and finding the best bargain deals. Lupe was a profoundly spiritual and devout Christian. Lupe enjoyed reading her Bible almost every night before bed. Lupe's strong faith in God brought peace and solace to her throughout her life. Lupe was a beautiful, wonderful, and strong woman until the very end, she will be greatly missed.

Lupe is survived by her eldest son, David A Willis Jr and his wife Kerri Willis (Jacksonville FL), four grandchildren; Felicia Moore and her husband Ben Moore (Cary NC), Christy Willis (Durham NC), David A Willis III and his wife Nicole Willis (Jacksonville FL), and Jordan Willis (Jacksonville FL), five Great-grandchildren; Issac and Alex Moore (Felicia/NC), Alice Harris (Jordan/Jacksonville), Roman and Reid Willis (David III/Jacksonville FL), seven siblings; Orala Hernandez, Aurelio Hernandez, Ana Maria Hernandez Arredondo, Maria Graciela Hernandez Marin, Jesus Hernandez Jr, Martin Hernandez, and Rosa Maria Hernandez, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless more friends and extended family members.

Lupe was predeceased by her parents Martha Vidal Hernandez and Jesus Hernandez, her first husband, David A Willis Sr, her second husband Robert (Bob) Smith, her youngest son Steven Willis, and her brother Reynaldo Hernandez.

Services will be held at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home 940 Cesery Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32211 on Wednesday, July 12th, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. EST. In lieu of flowers, you can help fight Alzheimer's and Dementia by making donations to the Alzheimer's Association as an honor or memorial gift in Lupe's name. https://www.alz.org/alzheimer_s_dementia?form=alz_donate

“To Those Whom I Love & Those Who Love Me” by Anonymous

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,

But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How much you've given me in happiness.

I thank you for the love that you have shown,

But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It is only for a while that we must part,

So treasure the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away for life goes on.

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near.

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and a 'Welcome Home'.