Sara Ann Ellis Willis

A Visitation will be held at Laurel Land – Rose Hill Funeral Home, 7301 East Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76112, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with a Celebration of Life starting at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Laurel Land – Rose Hill Memorial Park. The family invites you to join them for lunch immediately following the burial.

Born on April 23, 1936, in Fort Worth, Texas, Sara was the cherished daughter of Joseph Spencer Ellis and Juanita Etah Webster. Sara grew up in a large and loving family as one of eight children, with six older brothers and one younger sister. Her childhood was filled with strong bonds and lifelong connections that came from such a close-knit family. Sara loved her brothers deeply and cherished the relationships she had with each of them.

She shared a special bond with her sister Martha Lynn, and the two remained closely connected throughout their lives. Over the years, their families shared many holidays, birthdays, picnics, trips, and countless cherished memories together. She was incredibly proud of her entire Ellis family and carried that love with her throughout her life.

She graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth in 1954, where she was a proud member of the National Honor Society and was known for her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic. During her senior year, she met J.B. “Buddy” Willis Jr. at Tarrant Road Baptist Church in Fort Worth. They shared their first date one Sunday after church at the Mexican Inn in downtown Fort Worth. They were married on March 12, 1955, and shared many meaningful years together, raising four children Steve, Suzanne, Shari and Gary, and building a life filled with memories.

After graduation, Sara began her career with the Texas Highway Department as a secretary. She later built a remarkable career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where she held several positions over the years. She retired as an Air Traffic Control Assistant at the Houston Air Route Traffic Control Center. During her time with the FAA, she was honored to be part of the team that helped open the Denver International Airport. Along the way, she formed many lifelong friendships with dear friends including Ann Arnhart, Maurine Gordon, Yvonne "Nell" Greenbauer, and Vonn Robinson.

Following her retirement from the FAA, Sara’s love for people and travel led her to a second career with Continental Airlines as a customer service agent at Houston Intercontinental Airport, allowing her to continue doing what she loved—helping others while exploring new places.

Sara’s passion for travel brought her many cherished experiences in places such as Mexico, Hawaii, New York City, San Diego, New Orleans, and Lafayette, Louisiana, where she enjoyed attending the annual Air Traffic Control crawfish boil. One of her greatest joys was taking her children and grandchildren on a Caribbean cruise, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Though she loved to travel, Sara’s greatest passion was her family. She found her deepest joy in time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many of her happiest days were spent in Port Aransas at the condo she shared with her daughter Shari, a place filled with sunshine, laughter, and love.

Sara also found joy in life’s simple pleasures like shopping for her family, finding the best bargains, enjoying a good meal out, and sipping her beloved Coca-Cola. She adored babies and had a special way of making everyone feel loved and cared for.

Sara was a strong and resilient woman, proudly overcoming a battle with breast cancer. She was generous with her time, her love, and her spirit, always putting others before herself. She never met a stranger—her warm smile and kind heart made everyone feel welcome.

In 2008, Sara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a battle she faced with strength and grace for 18 years. Even in the later stages, her love for her family never faded, and she knew them until the end. As her story reminds us, love never forgets.

Sara is preceded in death by her mother and daddy; her brothers Henry, Bill, Luke, Dub, Peck, and Bobby Ray; her sister Martha Lynn; her husband Buddy; her son Steven Donnell; and her grandson Shane Cook.

She is survived by her loving children: Suzanne Cook (Bart) of Covington, Texas; Shari Turner (Steve) of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Gary Willis (James) of Bulverde, Texas; and daughter-in-law Ronda Willis of Fort Worth, Texas. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Brandon Willis, Bailey Cook, Brooke McIntire, Brittnee Willis (Tommy), Sara Turner (Jaxon), Anna Turner, and Riley Willis-Black; and her beloved great-grandchildren: Jeremy Willis, Dakota Lee, Lyric Santos, Diesel McIntire, Dayne Meyler, and Denver McIntire, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Pallbearers will be James Black, Bart Cook, Lyric Santos, Tommy Santos, Steve Turner, Jaxon Welchman and Jeremy Willis.

Sara’s life was one of love, strength, and generosity. She had a deep love for the Lord and a steadfast faith in God that carried her throughout her life. We find comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing in Heaven, reunited with those who went before her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the family she cherished so deeply.