Born July 16, 1935 in Dowling Park, Florida
Departed February 5, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
With love and admiration of a life well lived, the Willis family announces the passing of our loved one, Betty Fay Willis, who transitioned peacefully to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Monday, February 5th, 2024 at the age of 88 in Melbourne, Florida.
Betty was born July 16, 1935 as a twin (Bobby Ray Nolan) to Willie Glen Nolan and Lillie Mae Nixon Nolan. She was born in Dowling Park, FL (Suwanee County). She married Alfred Donald Willis in 1966 in Melbourne Shores, FL. She and Don lived in Indialantic, FL for 30+ years before building a home and moving to Melbourne Village where they have spent the last 27 years.
Betty was deeply committed to her family and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She will be remembered as a caring wife and mother. She was one of the sweetest people who always had a smile on her face and was genuinely happy. She was loved by many and she made it a point to stay connected to her family and friends through the years. She was the last one of this Era of the “Nolan” family. The family is grateful for the love she shared, the wisdom she imparted, and the indelible mark she left on those who loved her. She will be deeply missed by all her friends and loved ones.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lillie Nolan, and her five (5) siblings, Damon Nolan, James Nolan, Bob Nolan, Marge Harris and Mae Liddle. She is survived by her husband, Alfred Donald Willis and her children and their spouses: Cynthia McCain (George), Jeffery Willis (Sandy), Glenda Beiswenger (Bill) and Donna Willis (Will Wold), her grandchildren: Matthew McCain, Devin McCain, Kristen Murphy (Michael), Andrea Willis, Emily Beiswenger, Will Beiswenger (Ashley), William Wold (Karina), Mary Austin (Lucas) ,as well as her great grandchildren: Collin McCain, Dante Cannon, Kale Murphy and Kyla Murphy.
Betty Fay Willis’ “Celebration of Life” service will be on:
Date: Saturday, April 20TH, 2024
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Place: American Homesteading Foundation Hall (Melbourne Village Hall)
Address: 535 Hammock Road, Melbourne Village, FL 32904
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association.
8 entries.
Jill Dear Galiano
from Seminole wrote on April 17, 2024:
Betty was always a special, kind, gracious person. It was always a pleasure to see her at the Nolan reunions. She was Dad's first cousin but Mom's best friend! Later Betty and Don were good enough to allow me to rent a room in their house while I was trying to settle in Brevard county. During my stay with them, Betty made sure I packed a lunch to take with me everyday to my teaching job. She even altered a Hawaiian mumu that had been my mother's so I could use it again. Miss her but I know she is in the arms of Jesus. Love to Don and the family.
Debbie Meixel
from Indian Harbour Beach wrote on April 3, 2024:
To Don and Family,
Betty and her SMILE will be missed. She was not only a patient, but I considered her my friend as well. Prayers of healing are coming to you during this time of loss.
With deep loss and Sympathy,
Debbie Meixel
Kitty Nolan Post
from Gainesville wrote on March 2, 2024:
After my parents died, Aunt Betty would call every month or so to check on me and stay connected. She sent a Christmas card every year and remembered my birthday. Aunt Betty kept me up on all the goings on and always asked about my kids and grand kids. She was such a sweet lady and I’m really going to miss her.
Jeffery Willis
from Rockledge wrote on February 18, 2024:
My mother was a great mom and I will miss her terribly. It is hard to realize that she is gone.There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her.
Jamie Warshowsky
from Little Rock wrote on February 18, 2024:
At some point in the 4th grade I befriended Glenda and would often stop at the Willis house on my bike ride home. Mrs. Willis liked me from the beginning. She always had snacks, let us make cookies and most importantly, she talked and listened. It was evident that she loved her family and extended that love beyond the family circle.
I am forever grateful that she lovingly welcomed me into her home and would engage with so much empathy and understanding.
Cynthia McCain
from Melbourne Beach, FL wrote on February 17, 2024:
I’ve been trying for the last few days to write a tribute to my mother It is with heavy heart and sorrow that I write this tribute💔
Our beloved mother, Betty passed away on February 5 peacefully. Mom was the heart and soul of our family. A constant source of love, wisdom, and encouragement. I can still feel the warmth of her hugs, and her infectious laugh even now, and she had a smile that was so radiant it lit up every room she entered.
From childhood through adulthood, mom and I shared a bond that was special. She was the person I knew I could turn to, confide in and look for help when I needed it. Basically, she was my best friend when I was scared she soothed me when I achieved success, she cheered louder than anyone when I struggled it was her who lifted me up with a faith in me that never wavered.
While we mourn mom‘s passing, we take comfort, knowing her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I will be forever grateful for the unconditional love she gave me, her kindness and warmth touched everyone she met, losing her, leaves an ache in our hearts, but also inspiration to live up to her beautiful example. Love u Mom and as I’ve been told, I’ll meet you at the Pearly gates one day🙏🙏
A
Paul and Cindy Campbell
from Saint Johns , Fl wrote on February 17, 2024:
Such a beautiful loving lady. Met her several times . Always a joy to talk with. She is now free of pain and ailments . Miss Betty will soar joyfully with our Lord and savior !
Cynthia McCain
from Melbourne Beach wrote on February 15, 2024:
A wife, a mother, a grandmother too.
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us to love and how to fight.
You gave us our strength
You gave us our might!
Born July 16, 1935 in Dowling Park, Florida
