Loretta Willis

Loretta Jean Willis, 87, of Crooked Creek, went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after a long illness. Born October 31, 1936, at Sias, WV, she was the eldest of four children born to the late Enoch and Beulah Neal Adkins.

She met her loving husband, Art Willis, when she was only 13 years old, but he remembers her from long before that and often quotes her line in the Christmas play when she was only five years old: “Although very small, and little can I do, but I can wish you all a Merry Christmas, too”. 

The couple was married on December 24, 1952, while he was serving his country in the United States Air Force. They started their lives together in Chandler, Arizona. Art's military career led them to Bryan, Texas before settling in Logan, WV. She was a very loving and proud Mamaw who cherished her grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren.

Together with her husband, Loretta owned and operated Willis Business Machines in downtown Logan for over 35 years before their retirement. 

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Art Willis, Jr.; daughter, Linda Kay Vance; son-in-law Gene Vance; two brothers, Carl Adkins and Robert Adkins; her dear baby sister, Mary (Lewis) Burns; granddaughter, Miranda Johnson; grandson, Gregory Ryan Willis; great-grandson, Justin Vance; stepfather, Edgar Spears, and several in-laws.

Those left to cherish her loving memory include the love of her life for 72 years, Arthur Willis, Sr.; sons, Dan (Carol) Willis, Greg (Angie) Willis, and Scott Willis; daughter, Brenda (Andy) McKenzie; daughters-in-law, Donna Willis and Amanda Willis; grandchildren, Shawn (Stephanie) Willis, Artie Willis, Taylor (Nick) McCoy, Jamie (Vicky) Vance, Jeremy Vance, Lori Willis, Jonathan (Emily) McKenzie, Alex (Dusty) McKenzie, Kara (Justin) Vance, Cortney (Patrick) Jones, Gabrielle Willis, and Jacob Willis; great-grandchildren, Evan (Taylor) Willis, Addison Willis, Dylan Vance, Isabella Belcher, Tucker McCoy, Kyzer McCoy, Annika McKenzie, Declan McKenzie, Waverly McKenzie, Quinn Jeffrey, Bailee McKenzie, Kenadee McKenzie, Liam Vance, Lucy Vance, and Stetson Jones; brother-in-law, Junior (Margaret) Willis; sisters-in-law, Myrtle (Albert) Prince, Rosa Lovejoy, Judy Adkins, and Carolyn Adkins; as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends who will all love and miss her dearly.

A celebration of Loretta’s life and legacy will be held at Akers James Funeral Home on Friday October 25, 2024, at 11:00 am with Rev. Barney Goins officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pecks Mill, WV. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday October 24, 2024, at the funeral home. 

Pallbearers will be Shawn Willis, Jamie Vance, Jeremy Vance, Jonathan McKenzie, Alex McKenzie, Dylan Vance, and Jacob Willis.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.