Zella Mae Willis

Zella Mae Willis, 87, of Abilene Texas passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be at 6:00pm on Sunday, October 11th at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, October 12, 2020 at Broadview Baptist Church with Pastor David Cason officiating. Burial will follow at Dewey Cemetery in Lawn, Texas. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Zella was born in Paint Rock, Texas to Thomas Henry and Ida Davis on June 13, 1933. She attended school in Wylie, Albany, and Abilene. She was a 1950 graduate of Abilene High School. She married Carrol "Gene" Willis on June 23, 1950 in Abilene. She maintained the family home and managed to raise four children while working a variety of jobs throughout her life, including Timex Watch Factory, M-System Food stores, Gibson's Discount Center, with her last 20+ years of employment at the Mrs. Baird's Thrift Stores. After retirement, she worked to build "Mimi Memories" with her seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She also served as a volunteer at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Zella was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gene Willis, son, Mike Willis, brothers Irvin Davis, Tommy Davis, Rathel Davis, one sister Norma Lee Atwood. Zella is survived by her children and their spouses, Brian (Kren) Willis of Abilene, Lori (Stan) West of Hamby, Scott (Stephanie) Willis of Lawn, and daughter-in-law, Chrissy Willis of Evansville Indiana. She is survived by her grandchildren John Willis, Dusty West, Eric Willis, Lindsey West, Evan Willis, Daisy Willis, and Marly Willis. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Jax, Corban, and Leighton, who were the bright spots in her life. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Zella's two surviving sons and four grandsons. Memorials may be made to Broadview Baptist Church, 2500 South 27th Street, Abilene, TX 79605; or the charity of your choice. The family of Zella Willis wishes to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Samantha Goodman, Abilene Regional Medical Center, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Abilene, Hospice of the Big Country and the members of Broadview Baptist Church.