Betty Jean Willis

She was born Betty Jean Davis in Sevierville, TN on March 19, 1927, in Alcoa County, to the late Ira Nathan Davis, Sr. and Irene McClanahan Davis. The family moved to Augusta, Georgia when she was a child.

In 1942 Betty Jean met her husband, First Sergeant Gervis Willis, who was a Soldier stationed at Fort Gordon during World War II. She was married to the love of her life for 51 years prior to his death in 1993. She never remarried.

Betty worked for the civil service at Fort Gordon, now Fort Eisenhower, in the Signal Towers as a secretary. She was a devout Christian and attended the Apostolic Cathedral of Praise Church in Martinez, Georgia. She loved her family, playing the piano, crocheting, gardening, bird watching, and arts and crafts. Betty Jean had a clear mind, a vivid memory, a loving heart, and colorful sense of humor up until the day of her death. All those who had the opportunity to know her loved her and consider themselves fortunate.

She is survived by her only daughter Lynda Gaye Willis Philpot (Mike) and three granddaughters Pamela Raborn, Missy Philpot Green (Alan), and Monty Philpot Brock (Adam). She was also a great-grandmother and beloved "Gigi" to Maddie, Mollie, and Morgan Green.

Betty Jean was predeceased by her husband Gervis Willis, her parents and siblings, and her beloved cat Malachi.

Our family will miss her stories, her laughter, her wisdom, sense of humor, her ever prayerful heart, and her constant presence as none of us know life without her. We are reassured by her strong and unwavering faith and know that the Lord welcomed her home with loving arms.

Arrangements are being made through Elliott and Sons Funeral Home for burial at Westover Memorial Cemetery. A small grave side service will be held at a future date.