Lillian Willis

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. —Lillian Sullivan Willis, 91, of Poplar Bluff, passed away May 10, 2019 at her residence. Mrs. Willis was born November 28, 1927 at Poplar Bluff to the late Ralph and Clarice Edwards Sullivan.

Lillian leaves this world having touched and made a great impact on many lives. She was the oldest of six children, growing up at the end of the Great Depression, she had the task of helping raise her five siblings while her parents worked. She married young, and she and her husband worked with a traveling carnival. Soon, returning to settle in south Poplar Bluff, she and her husband built their home and started their family. While primarily a homemaker, Lillian did work for the shoe factory for several years until it closed. Along with having one son, Odie, Lillian took in and helped raise two of her uncle’s children, Roger and Margaret.

The Willis home was a haven for many throughout the last seventy or so years. Before doctors and hospitals were easily accessible, Lillian was the one the neighbors would turn to for cuts and scrapes or whatever home remedy she knew that might help what ailed them. She offered a place stay for many and a meal to those who hungered. While she was most caring, she also believed to not spare the rod - she offered tough love advice, when needed, and those bits of advice will never be forgotten.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry ‘Bill’ Willis; five brothers, Donald, Glenn, Roy, Jimmie and Jerry Sullivan; as well as the cousin she helped raise, Roger Sullivan.

Lillian’s memory will be cherished by a loving family that includes her son, Odie Willis and wife, Lana; grandson, Heath Willis and wife, Kelly; granddaughter, Jodie Willis; great-grandchildren, Emma, Havyn, Keira and Ethan.

A graveside service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 at 11 a.m. at City Cemetery. The Rev. Donnie Emmons will officiate. Arrangements are through Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home.

Online condolences: www.fitchhillisfh.com

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