Joan Ellen Willis

Joan Ellen McLure Willis, age 79, passed away in her home on August 20, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. She was first born of four daughters on November 27, 1939 in Dallas, Texas to her father Joseph Henry McLure and her mother Eva Ethelyn Peters McLure. Joan was raised in Dallas and lived on Robin Road for many years growing up as a child into her late teens. She attended Hillcrest High School in 1955 and was then transferred to Thomas Jefferson High School in Fall of 1956, the first opening year of that well known Dallas high school. Joan held the superlative title, Sophomore Class Beauty.

After leaving high school, Joan Ellen worked as a cashier girl in the Downtown Dallas night club system. She fell into the arms of fate on a memorable evening of February 1, 1959, at The Derby Club; where she met the man of her dreams, Dallas musician and drummer, Billy Joe Willis. It was a "meet-cute" and a love at first sight greeting that brought the two together. The night club world became their notarized claim to fame. Shifting through many memories and stories with Billy Joe at her side, the first five years of dating evolved into a historical event; while closely involved with Jack Ruby and his Dallas night scene, The Carousel, Vegas Room and Theater Lounge.

On May 2, 1964, Joan Ellen married Billy Joe and raised together, two strong willed daughters in their Dallas home of 52 years. First born is Cynthia Ann, July 12, 1968; and second born is Cheryl Lynn, December 14, 1974. Joan was dedicated as a "stay at home" mother raising her two girls until her return to work in Fall of 1980, where she began her career as a showroom manager in the wholesale world of interior design. Joan helped manage and merchandise some of the finest showrooms in The Dallas Design District. She worked for The Peddler's of Fairmount throughout the early 1980's, transitioning to William Taylor of The Design District in 1985, Pindler & Pindler in 1988, American Tile Company throughout the 1990's and later retired from Rob & Stucky of Northpark in 2009. Joan then transferred her loving duty as a babysitter and caretaker for her adoring granddaughter, Micaela Anais.

Joan was a vibrant personality with a larger than life presence that would fill the room. She was a storyteller, a painter, a photographer and a historian capable of remembering every birthday and every event. She never failed to capture the moment by a photograph, a holiday card or a phone call. Joan was one of a kind. She gave herself to those she loved, and loved to the fullest. She is known for her amazing pot roast, her famous vegetable soup and corn bread, her aromatic peach cobbler, and the memorable comfort of her chicken spaghetti. Every dish Joan made was created with the intention to give. Joan was a giver, and for that she will never be forgotten. Her heart was always in the right place.

Joan Ellen is survived and surrounded in love by her husband, Billy Joe Willis; her daughter, Cynthia Ann Willis Morales; her daughter, Cheryl Lynn Willis; her son in law, Ruben Morales; and her granddaughter, Micaela Anais Morales. She is also lovingly survived by her three amazing sisters; Barbara Ann Finch, Judith Katherine Clasen, and Jo Carole Capley.

It is here and now where we come together as a family, to rise and carry the memory of Joan in love, honor and respect. She had a fire in her spirit that will never fade. She will always be a legendary inspiration of strong will to us all.

Written by her adoring daughter,

Cheryl Lynn Willis