Annie Jewell Willis

Annie Jewell Fawver Willis Exodus 23:25-26 “Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.” Annie Jewell Fawver Willis did Worship the Lord...a full life she lived, 101 glorious years. Our merciful LORD called Annie Jewell home August 28th, 2013. She was in the comfort of her earthly home with family. Annie Jewell was the 9th child born to George L. Fawver and Law Euner Reed on June 22, 1912 in Floyd County. She lived on her family farm as a young girl, gathering eggs, caring for family members, working with her brothers and dad carrying cotton to the cotton gin; horse and buggy style. Her mother died when she was a little girl, and she was raised by her step mother, Mary Esse. She met her future husband, Willard Carey Willis, at church, where he was leading the singing in McAdoo, TX. Her father would invite Mr. Willis to lunch after the services. They formed a friendship and then joined in marriage on April 7, 1935 in Dardy Community of Floyd County. Annie Jewell desired to learn and wanted to pursue teaching. After finishing school in Floyd County, then receiving her teaching degree from Canyon College, her and her husband taught in Baker Community, Floyd County, New Hope, Anson, and then moved to Abilene. Annie Jewell then attended and graduated with a Bachelor Degree from Hardin Simmons College, now known as Hardin Simmons University, in 1949. Annie Jewell continued teaching with Abilene Independent School District. She made many memories and touched many children’s lives at Bowie Elementary, Crockett Elementary, and retiring from Jackson Elementary. However, even after her retirement, Annie Jewell continued to substitute teach for a total of 44 years in the education system. At her 101st birthday celebration, a few of her Jackson students came to visit with her and shared what an impact she had on their lives. She has been a member of The Garden Club, The Bridge Club, The Women’s Club, Big Country Porcelain Art Guild, Eastern Star, and Prime Timers with Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. She loved her china painting, having her own kiln at home. Playing 42 always was a part of our family gatherings. Dominos and Bridge were other favorite past times. As part of Prime Timers, Annie Jewell formed some very special friendships. Every year they would take “Big” trips, such as a trip to Washington, DC, Canada, Branson, MO and even a cruise to Hawaii, traveling well into her 90’s. Her independence lasted up until the very end, renewing her driver’s license at age 99. Annie Jewell and W.C. were blessed with 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren and 17 great children. Annie Jewell is preceded in death by her husband, Willard Carey Willis, her parents, 8 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 sons-in-law, and 2 great grandsons. Annie Jewell is survived by her two daughters, Yvonne Ann Sloan and Carey Sue Bush, both of Abilene, 7 grandchildren, DeWayne Bush and wife Cindy of Tuscola, Lori Sloan Grow and husband Bryan of Abilene, Michael Bush of Denton, Lorne Sloan and wife SueAnn of Mulberry Canyon, Bryan Bush and wife Mary of San Antonio, Carey LeAnne Bush Parsons of Abilene, and LuAmy Sloan of Abilene, 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation is Friday, August 30th, from 5 to 7 p.m.at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, August 31st, at 11:00 am at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church with Jeff Reid officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. With heartfelt appreciation to Cindy, Anna Grace, Summer, Christian, Loyd and Sylvia for the love and care they provided for Ma-Maw/Mam-maw so she would be able to stay at her home until she went Home. Memorials may be given to Hendricks Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory St., Abilene, TX 79601.