Joyce Ann Willis' Obituary
Joyce Willis (known as “Granny” to her many loved ones), 83, passed peacefully in her home December 23, 2020 of natural causes. Mrs. Willis was born October 7th, 1937 to George Wesley Williams, Sr. and his wife Opal Maybelle Williams (Gressett); their first of four children.
Joyce lived a long, loving life and was the central pillar of her family. Mrs. Willis was a graduate of Texas A&M Commerce and served the public as a teacher before beginning a career with the Internal Revenue Service from which she retired. When she wasn’t busy chatting on the phone with friends and family you could find her reading her favorite books, following the Dallas Cowboys, or keeping up with her extended family online. Joyce enjoyed many hobbies throughout her lifetime which included traveling (with a trip to Ireland being a fond memory), sewing, bowling and cooking. Joyce loved her family deeply and her smile would light up the room when they came to visit.
Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Donald Willis, parents George and Opal Williams, brother-in-law Charles “Speedy” Willis and sister-in-law Carolyn Smith. She is survived by her daughter Donna Miller and her husband Ron of Mesquite; son John Willis of Quinlan; sister Janette Smallwood and her husband Lewis of Argyle; sister Jeanne Womack and her husband Steve of Harlingen; brother George Williams, Jr. and his wife Bernadette of Hutchins. She also leaves behind her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Justin Willis, partner Erica Tucker and their sons Colton and Connor Willis; Ronald “RJ” Miller, partner Paislee Shelton and their daughter Everlee Miller; Callie Miller and partner Nick Duncan; niece Shannon Willis; aunt Mary Revels, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation for Mrs. Willis will be held from 3:30-5:30pm Wednesday, December 30th at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, December 31st at Restland Cemetery in Dallas.
In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest a donation to MD Anderson Cancer Center, an organization Joyce supported on a regular basis out of appreciation for their treatment of her late husband Don.
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