On Sept. 25, 2026, Patty Jean Willis was called home to glory.
Born on April 1, 1939, in Bellaire, Ohio, she was the youngest of seven children born to the late Patrick Henry Merritt and Martha Lindsay Merritt.
Although illness left her bedridden during the final years of her life, it never diminished the love and joy she brought to those around her. Her beautiful smile could light up a room, her laughter was contagious, and her presence made people feel welcome, valued, and cared for.
She never met a stranger. She had a special way of turning a simple conversation into a meaningful connection.
Education held a special place in her heart. She began her elementary education in a one-room schoolhouse led by the late Lottie G. Wright. Throughout her life, she proudly said that “Mrs. Lottie,” as she was affectionately known, was the best teacher she ever had.
Mrs. Willis also became part of Franklin’s history as one of the first Black students to integrate the previously all-white Franklin High School. She endured being spat upon, called names, and laughed at, but she refused to allow cruelty to defeat her.
With courage, strength, and determination, she continued moving forward, helping to break down racial barriers and open doors for those who followed. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1959 with dignity and the respect of her community.
Her academic achievement was also recognized through the Golden Horseshoe Award, an honor representing academic excellence, state pride, and a deep knowledge of West Virginia’s heritage.
She loved to talk, not to gossip, but to share meaningful conversations about the things that truly mattered — her family, her work, and the world around her. She stayed informed about current events and believed strongly that every person should exercise the constitutional right to vote. She faithfully worked at the polls during elections because she understood that every voice deserved to be heard and every vote mattered.
She married the late William N. Willis and remained a devoted wife through life’s happiest moments and its most difficult seasons.
She worked several jobs, often putting in long hours. Even when she was rushing from one job to another and running a little late, she could be counted on to show up and work hard.
She was the selfless backbone of her family. Many times, she went without so that her five children would have everything they needed. Her strength held the family together, and her sacrifices were one of the many ways she expressed her unconditional love.
Her family will forever remember the love she poured into them, the kindness and support she freely gave, her joyful spirit, her remarkable strength, and her lifetime of hard work and sacrifice. She taught her family how to persevere, how to care for others, and how to keep moving forward even when the road was difficult.
“Her absence breaks our hearts, but we find comfort in believing that she is now in God’s house, free from illness and pain, and resting safely in His loving arms. The love Patty gave us will remain in our hearts, and the lessons she taught us will continue to guide our family for generations.
Well done, Patty Jean Willis. You have earned your wings. May God bless you and keep you. We will love you forever, Mrs. Patty.
Your light will continue to shine in every life you touched.”
She leaves to cherish her memory her five children, Eddie Willis of Franklin, Terry Willis, widower of the late Denise Lamb-Willis of Raleigh, North Carolina, Karen Willis-Hilliard and her husband, Anthony of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Patrick “Chip” Willis and his wife, Asala of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Kara Willis of Franklin. She is also survived by her sister, Vivian. Her beautiful legacy also lives on through her 14 grandchildren and the many family members and friends whose lives were blessed by her love.
She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Marvin, Arnold, Edwin, and Dewey; a sister, Marion; a beloved daughter-in-law, Denise Lamb-Willis; and two grandsons, Jquan Willis and Monte Willis.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Funeral services will follow in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at the Willis Family Cemetery in Franklin.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.
