Villa Willis

WILLIS, Villa Laffoon Age 105 of Nashville. February 25, 2012 Born July 31, 1906 to David & Fannie Laffoon of Hopkins County, KY, Villa was the oldest surviving member of a revered Western Kentucky family including such notables as KY Governor Ruby Laffoon & United States Congressman Polk Laffoon. Villa was married 60 years to her loving husband: Clyde Ervin Willis, who preceded her in death. She was the mother of four adoring sons; Arthur David Willis (Jane) both now deceased, Bill Willis (Olivia), Clyde Edward Willis (Shirley) & Dr. Larry G. Willis. Villa had eleven grandchildren: Marielle Kowalewski, Yolande (Tom) Bennington, Mark Willis, Leta (David) Peek, Keith (Marilyn) Willis, Dr. William (Kristi) Willis, Alexander Willis, Jason (Kelly) Willis, Donna (Dr. Gary) Anderson, David Willis & Dori Thomas. She was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren & 6 great-great grandchildren. Billy Joe Willis is her only remaining nephew in Nashville. Having no girls of her own, she cherished her niece Rosemary Laffoon Downey of Hopkinsville, KY. Villa & Clyde loved their neighbors as themselves. Over the years they laughed & cried with their neighbors, prepared countless meals for the sick, held hands of those in grief, attended bedside vigils, & always gave a kind word. Villa herself was beautiful, loved nice clothes, & had a great sense of humor. One of her biggest delights was having family & friends for holidays, birthdays, or any excuse to gather at her home. Her 4 sons would often bring friends home for dinner unannounced, and they were always received with open arms & treated as her own. Villa recently attended the 100th anniversary of Suthards Christian Church in Hopkins County, KY, having been there as a toddler 100 years earlier! A woman of deep faith, she was the last charter member of Old Hickory United Methodist Church. She & her family were faithful to the love of Christ in that sweet place. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to her great granddaughter: Heather Kowalewski, her granddaughter: Marielle, her grandson: Alex Willis, & Marilyn & Keith Willis for their untiring ministering to Villa in her last days. Villa will be missed by everyone who knew her. Her family thanks God for the time He allowed them to be with her. Visitation will be at Phillips-Robinson Hadley Chapel, 1700 Hadley Rd. on Friday from 5-8PM with the funeral service held at the Old Hickory United Methodist Church, 1216 Hadley Ave, Sat. Mar. 3 at 1PM. The family requests any memorials be made to the Old Hickory United Methodist Church or Alive Hospice of Nashville. PHILLIPS-ROBINSON HADLEY CHAPEL, (615)847-1010.

Villa Willis

July 31, 1906 - February 25, 2012