Willadean Ruth Willis

On May 19, 2025, our dear mother passed away peacefully at home, at the age of 98. She had a three year battle with pancreatic cancer. She cared deeply for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, along with her church family at First Baptist Church of Roseberry City, Knoxville. She never complained and kept the faith trusting in her Lord and Saviour.

She was predeceased by her parents, Willie Gilyard and Ruth Chapman Gilyard, brother Clifford Gilyard, 3 sons- Joe, Clifford, and Ernest, 2 grandsons Robseriol (Rosario) King and Evan Thompson.

She is survived by her sons- Levi (Margaret)Willis, Robert Willis, Sanford Willis. Daugthers- Sarah Jones, Rose (William)Thompson, Susan James, Elaine (Spruell) Driver, Michelle (Glen)Dockery, and Tanya Fielden. Daughters In Law - Brenda Craft and Adina Willis. 19 Grandchildren, 14 Great grandchildren, and many Great, Great grandchildren.

First Cousins- Linda (Potty)Shell, Ruth”Sissy”Chapman, Dennis (Buzzy)Chapman, James (Deborah)Chapman Jr. and Tamicca Chapman Colquitt and Joy Chapman

Second cousins- Katrina (Warren)Moran, Patricia (Dee-Dee) Chapman, and Trent (Sherry)Chapman.

Service will be on Wednesday May 28th with visitation from 11-1 and service to follow from 1pm-2pm at Weaver’s Mortuary 5815 Western Ave Knoxville 37921.

Burial at New Gray Cemetery on Western Avenue following the service.

The family would like to thank the Hospice staff of the University of TN Medical Center for the great care they provided to our mother. Special thanks to Rachel, Jody and Elizabeth and the rest of her Care team.