Rachel C. Willis

Rachel Elizabeth Culberhouse Willis was born on October 6, 1919 to Richard Henry Culberhouse and Harriet Elizabeth Culberhouse in Noble, Louisiana. Their family had nine children of which Rachel was the youngest.

In April of 1940 Rachel met her future husband of almost 66 years, Benjamin Franklin Willis, in Houston, Texas. In spite of a mere introduction, Ben proudly declared to his parents he had just met the woman he would marry. Sure enough after a one year courtship, they wed on April 12, 1941. Ben passed away on March 12, 2007. They had a wonderful marriage and produced four children, Gaye Adele “Taylor”, Benjamin Franklin III, Richard Kimbrough, and Mark William.

Rachel was the consummate mother and matriarch of her family. For all four of her children and her five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Rachel was the foundation of love, support, generosity, and strength. She was absolutely and selflessly devoted to family, and her heart knew no boundaries.

She was a lifelong Christian Scientist and was deeply rooted in her faith and applied it successfully in all areas of her life. What made her truly happy was to see her loved ones happy. She was a top performer in everything she did in life, and a strong leader casting a strong and positive influence over everyone she encountered. She only spoke well of others and was respected and adored by all.

In 1978, Ben and Rachel moved from Houston to Lakeway and Rachel began a legendary real estate career as one of the first females to sell real estate in the Lakeway area. She was referred to as the “Duchess” by her peers because she had such a kind and caring presence but was always strong and firm about her values and standards. She started Rachel Willis Special Properties at the age of 71, and was revered as the grand dame of Lakeway real estate. At 81, she became a partner and owner of the Keller Williams Lakeway market center and remained a leader in that company until her passing.

In spite of her business success, Rachel had no greater love than her family. She shared her wisdom and taught all of her family members the importance of family and faith. Her favorite sayings were: “Love holds together what belongs together”, “Do right and fear not”, and “To thine own self be true”. Every member of her family was taught to be the best they could possibly be, whatever they did. Her positive nature persisted until the end. She never complained or uttered a negative thought and was the perfect role model of living in dignity with grace and class.

Rachel is survived by her four children Taylor Nelms and husband, Tommy, Ben Willis III, Richard “Kim” Willis, and Mark Willis and wife, Cindy; her five grandchildren Kathy Nelms Morford and husband, Houston, Tommy Nelms and wife Susan, Lisa Willis, DVM, Rachel and Jason Tang and Mary Elizabeth Willis; and her five great grandchildren.

The family would like to express its appreciation for Eunice Theu, who was a wonderful caregiver in the final days, Heart to Heart Hospice and to the skilled nursing staff at The Summit at Lakeway.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the Lakeway Church at 2203 Lakeway Blvd. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Lakeway Church at 2203 Lakeway Blvd Austin, Texas 78734 or 3rd Church, Christ Scientist at 3575 RR 620 South, Austin, Texas 78738.