Joan Wickliffe Willis , age 93, passed away January 14, 2024 at Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center of Victoria, Texas. She was born in Ellis County, Tx on July 16, 1930 to the late George and Irene Brown Wickliffe. Three older brothers, Herman, E.G., and Billy welcomed their baby sister into the family and were devoted to her as she was to them until their deaths. At age 4, while tap dancing in a talent show, a little boy aged 5 was smitten. His name was Robert Willis. On August 1, 1947, Robert and Joan were married and celebrated 70 years of marriage prior to his death in 2017.
Our mothers life was defined by her Christian faith, family, friends, fun, and “doing the right thing”. The right thing might be giving her shoes away to someone at school who had none, or opening her home to children who had no safe place to live. For thirty eight years, she and Robert fostered over 50 children in their home. They were co-founders of the Victoria Foster Parent Association and initiated the annual Christmas party. A member of Central Church of Christ, mother loved her church family. She demonstrated her faith in many ways, whether feeding the hungry, participation in jail ministry, teaching children’s Bible classes and mentoring through Christians Against Substance Abuse. She was kindness in red lipstick and dangly earrings.
She is survived by her daughters, Jan Kocian (Mike) of Victoria, Tx, Ann Morgan (Rick) of Mesquite, Tx, and Robbi Perkins (Greg) of Canton, Tx. She is also survived by Thad Willis of Austin, Tx. Left to cherish the memory of Granny and Nana are Shelli, Motch, Michelle, Sara, Ricki, Wesley and Jeremy, her beloved “greats” and “great-greats”. Aunt Joan will be missed by her adored nieces and nephews and is also survived by her brother in law Randall Willis of Bristol, Tx.
Serving as pallbearers are Mike Kocian, Rick Morgan, Greg Perkins, Mike Kocian II, Shelli Green, Michelle Bruchmiller, Sara Jackson, Ricki Dickey, Wesley and Jeremy Wilemon. Honorary pallbearers are L.D. Wasicek, Jim Green, Larry Deaton, Jimmy Harris and friends at Morada East.
A special thank you to the staff at DeTar Navarro ICU and Hospice of South Texas Dornburg Center.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 4-6pm at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Memorial services are planned for Friday, January 19, 2024 at Rosewood Funeral Chapel at 10am with Mr. Randy Brown officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband and infant son on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1pm at Bristol Cemetery in Bristol, Tx.
