Mrs. Cheryl Denise Willis

By God's grace, Cheryl Denise Johnson Willis was born on August 27, 1955, to Irene Gilcrease and Cleveland Johnson Jr. She was a beautiful blessing whose life reflected love, faith, compassion, and service. To her family and close friends, she was affectionately known as Denise or NeNe.

Cheryl graduated from Wheatley High School at the remarkable age of 16. She continued her education at Prairie View A&M University (‘77), where she earned a degree in Vocational Home Economics and Secondary Earth Science. She later earned a master's degree in Mid-Management Administration (’83).

Cheryl entered into the holy sacrament of matrimony with Joseph Malcolm Willis. Their union was blessed with two sons, Joseph Robert Willis, and Jeremy Rashad Willis. Cheryl loved her family deeply and treasured the life and memories they shared.

Cheryl devoted 43 years of service to the Houston Independent School District. Throughout her distinguished career, she served as a science teacher, science department chairperson, science specialist, STEM teacher, and robotics instructor. She also participated in the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, a program created to strengthen students' knowledge and performance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Teaching was more than a profession for Cheryl - it was a calling. She found great fulfillment in educating, encouraging, and inspiring generations of students. Her knowledge, dedication, and generous spirit also made a lasting difference in the lives of many colleagues.

Steadfast in her faith, Cheryl was a devoted member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. She faithfully served in several ministries, including the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and the Samaritan Ministry. She was also a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court 139 and the 55 & Alive Club, where she served as Mistress of Arms.

Cheryl was always willing to lend a helping hand. She supported her church through many activities, including the annual bazaar and Lenten fish fries. She especially enjoyed working in the kitchen and often joked that she had earned a "promotion" to dishwasher. Her humor, humility, and willing spirit brought warmth and joy to those who served alongside her.

Following her retirement from the Houston Independent School District, Cheryl remained active in her community. She became a dedicated member of the Northeast Harris County Retired Educators and continued her involvement with the alumni associations of Wheatley High School and Prairie View A&M University.

Cheryl appreciated life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed trail riding with the Northeast Western Pleasure Club, sewing, and playing bingo. She also occasionally rode in rodeo parades and enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting with her husband. These activities brought her happiness and created many treasured memories with the people she loved.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Gilcrease; her father, Cleveland Johnson Jr.; and her siblings, Dr. Zoia Scott Cole, Aloyce Scott, Robert L. Scott, John R. Scott, and Wyntra Faye Brown. She was also preceded in death by her father-in-law, Joseph Jules Willis, and her brother-in-law, Phillip Willis.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted husband, Joseph Willis; her sons, Joseph R. Willis and Jeremy Willis; her mother-in-law, Alice Faye Willis; her sister-in-law, Chloe Willis; and a host of nieces, nephews, beloved granddogs, extended family members, church family, former students, colleagues, and dear friends.

Although our hearts are filled with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that Cheryl's life was a blessing to so many. She will be remembered for her loving heart, strong faith, joyful sense of humor, and lifelong commitment to her family, students, church, and community.

Her beautiful legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

May Cheryl rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord, and may God grant comfort and strength to all who mourn her passing.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Visitation will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1401 Fidelity St, Houston, TX 77029, US, on September 19, 2026, Visitation 9:30 am to 11:00 am, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088, US, on September 19, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.