Frances Willis

Frances Eloise Keener Willis, 81, of the Nances Creek Community, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at NE Regional Medical Center in Anniston. Born in Cherokee County, AL to Benjamin Newton and Johnnie Pauline Bright Keener, she was of Cherokee Indian descent and very proud of her heritage. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Gerald Noah Willis; sister: Helen McFry; and grandson: Noah Willis.

She was a member of Sharon Hill Congregational Holiness Church, a member of Sharon Hill WMs, and served the Congregational Holiness Churches in the card ministry. She was a school bus driver for most of her life, but was most proud of the time she served in the Tourism Department  while Mr. Willis served in Washington, DC.  She enjoyed travelling with Mr. Willis and her family over the years. She was a lady of grace, had a heart as good as gold, and  was very involved in her church until her health declined.  Truly a Proverbs 32 Woman.  She is survived by one son: Keith Willis; two daughters: Kim (Johnny) Pruitt and LaBreeska (Kirk) Ponder; brother: J. R. (Sandra) Keener; sisters: Glenda Hutcheson and Sheron Welchel; grandchildren: LaCoda Garza, Skyler Garza, Damien Willis, Raina Willis, Kiley Lockridge, Lily Ponder, and Charley Ponder; great grandchildren: Sidni Thornhill, Violetta Hyatt, Ashyr Pike, Aurora Pike, Phoenix Pike, Brantlin Lockridge, Kinley Lockridge, Kaynaan Lockridge, and Kirklyn Willis; and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 10:30 a.m. from Dansby Heritage Chapel with Revs.Tracy Hutcheson, Floyd Willis, and P.D. Wheeler officiating.  Visitation will be from  10:00 until 10:30 a.m. Entombment will be in Nances Creek Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Kevin McFry, Tony Hutcheson, Ethan Welchel, Dylan Welchel, Chris Willis, and Jeremy Willis.

Dansby Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Willis Family.