Mary Jean Willis

Mary graduated from Reitz High School in 1985. She worked in childcare, molding little minds and transpiring their lives as they matured into young adults. Mary was a voice for children and was heavily involved in CASA, Civitan, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed reading and camping. Her passion was spending time with her family and supporting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her heart and time was celebrated also with her childcare children and families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; life partner, Robert T. Burns; first husband, Roger L. Willis; five cook siblings; and her brother, Lee.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Monica R. Willis (Angela), sons, Timmy D. Willis (Becky), Jimmy M. Willis, David Burns (Susie), Donnie Burns (Hiromi), and Darrin Burns (Kristen); grandchildren, Kaitlyn Dame (Logan), Trevor Willis, Shoel Burns, Lyon Burns, Emma Burns, Aiden Burns, and Jamie Burns; great-grandchildren, Jonathen, Jocelyn, Journey, Olive, and Alice Jean; sister, Diane Ashby; brother, Dwayne Vanhorn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Alexander Funeral Home East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 with Pastor Bill Altman officiating. Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the funeral home and from 10:00 a.m. to service time on Monday. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.