Willie Marie Eccles

Willie Marie Yates Eccles passed away on Tuesday, June 6. She was born September 19, 1947, in Waco, Texas to Woodrow and Mozell (Pelham) Yates. She moved to Duke, Oklahoma in her teens and married Jimmy Don Eccles, with whom she had four children, Phyllis Eccles (deceased, 2008), Greg Eccles (Bridey), Jeremy Eccles (Dawn), and Lori (Eccles) Witzlsteiner (Todd). She graduated from Cameron University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She enjoyed cooking and baking, whether as a school lunch person, or for family and friends. She also loved to read, especially Crime and Drama books by author, James Patterson. Classic country music was another of her passions and besides having a vast knowledge of its genre, she was also quite a gifted singer. As a Senior, she enjoyed Bingo and, in particular, being the caller for these games at her apartment complex. Perhaps, her most treasured moments were the ones spent with her children and grandchildren and all the family.

She is survived by her three children, Greg, Jeremy, and Lori; three sisters, Charlene Goins (Edward, deceased), Janice/Nita Johnson (John), and Joan Davis; two brothers, Steve Yates (Linda) and Phil Yates (Fon); and eight grandchildren, Hayden Eccles, Owen Walker, Sadie Walker, Jeremy Allie, Jacob Allie, Nathan Eccles, Miranda Witzlsteiner, and Micah Witzlsteiner. She is also survived by a multitude of nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Mozell Yates, and her eldest child, Phyllis Eccles.

MEMORIAL SERVICESATURDAY, JUNE 10, 202310:00 AMPORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST1710 W. LOOP 1604 N.(NEAR SEA WORLD)

To view a live stream of the service, please click here.