Bobbie Jean Willey

Bobbie Jean Cotton Willey, 78, formerly of Daleville, AL passed away Sunday, Aug 17, 2014. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014 at 11:00 am. A short visitation will be held at 10:00 am before the service. She will later be buried with her husband in Hartford City Cemetery in Hartford, AL.

Bobbie was born Jan. 20, 1936 to Ford and Mary Alice Glover Cotton in Hartford, AL. After graduating from Geneva County High School, she attended Troy State University, earning her Elementary Education degree in 1957. She began working as a school teacher in Panama City, FL, and married her late husband, John L. “Jack” Willey, Apr. 12, 1958 at Fort Rucker, AL. She traveled extensively during her husband’s military career. They were married 14 years before his passing, after which Bobbie went back to TSU and received her Master’s Degree in 1974.

She taught fourth grade for over 16 years at Pinedale Elementary School in Enterprise, AL, inspiring a love of learning in so many children. She was always delighted when children were mesmerized by the beauty of poetry. Even after her retirement from teaching, Bobbie volunteered in schools in Derby, KS, Wichita, KS and Canton, MS.

Bobbie always loved to travel; she especially enjoyed her time in Germany and other parts of Europe and she never missed a chance to collect unique items during her travels. She enjoyed reading mystery novels, and crossword puzzles, and of course, her greatest joy was being a grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Kayed D. Jwainat; granddaughter, Alexandra Jwainat; sister, Betty C. McMurtry; niece, Mary (Eric) Winkler; nephew, Ford McMurtry; great-niece: Ashley (Ryan) Chism and their daughter, Edie Grace Chism; great-nephew: Stuart (Renee) Winkler and their sons, John Luke and James Levi Winkler; and many, many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, 308 New Mannsdale Road, Madison, MS 39110.

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