Vera Blake Willis

Vera Blake Willis, age 91 of Rowell, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the Green House Cottages in Rison, where she had been a resident for the past year. She was born May 8, 1920 in Star City, a daughter of the late Burley and Delia Thorneberry Blake. Mrs. Willis married James Cullen Willis on November 27, 1937. They spent most of their married life in Cleveland County, where he farmed and she was a homemaker. She enjoyed quilting, reading, cooking, and was a devoted gardener, but most of all, she enjoyed all of her children being around her. Mrs. Willis was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. She was also preceded in death by her husband of fifty two years, James Cullen Willis, siblings, Walter Blake, Marjorie Owens and Fred Blake; sons-in-law, Edward Boydston and Bobby Ashcraft. Mrs. Willis is survived by seven children and their spouses, Joy Boydston of Rowell, Earnestine and Cosby Taunton of Camden, Diane Ashcraft of Pine Bluff, Janie and J. W. Wyatt of Pine Bluff, Joe Willis of Rowell, Gloria and Irvin Bass of Camden, and James and Peggy Willis of Rowell; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Buie Funeral Home with Charles and Lisa Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Rowell Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 2501 West 28th Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870)325-6216.