Ann Willis

Ann Louise Barnes Willis died peacefully on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was born in Texarkana, Texas on September 8, 1930. She spent the majority of her life in Odessa, Texas, where she met and married her husband, Palmer Willis in 1958.

Ann was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She was a dedicated schoolteacher and faithful friend. Her steadfast love, for Palmer and her daughters, Cathy, and Susan, was evident to all; this same love was never questioned by her grandchildren. Even stronger than this was her love for Jesus Christ.

Ann was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Odessa, as well as a faithful prayer warrior. Despite trials and loss, her faith remained strong and her “joy came from the good Lord”, as she always said. Ann was an outstanding example of faithfulness, joy, generosity, and trust in Christ alone.

Ann was most proud of her family.  She attended many award ceremonies, football and soccer games, band concerts and life events.  She did not miss a high school or college graduation for any of her nine grandchildren until 2020 prevented her from attending one. She was there for the births of multiple great-grandchildren, never missed a birthday, and traveled all over the country to ensure she could celebrate every milestone with her family. Ann loved to travel with her brother and sister-in-law and was always up for an adventure.

Ann had a deep understanding of where true satisfaction and joy comes from the Lord. Ann was always hospitable, opening her door to welcome people into the house she called home for 60 years. Ann was consistent in all she did:  Church, Teaching School, Retired Teachers Association, Ladies Fellowship, Bible Study, Stock Shows and Rodeos, Reading and many other leisure crafts.

Ann is preceded in death by her husband Palmer Willis, daughters Cathy Hybert and Susan Bryans, granddaughter Hannah Moseley, brother Robert Barnes and parents Wesley and Alma Barnes.  She is survived by her grandchildren Julie Watters (Joel), Matthew Moseley (Bree), Lauren Bufkin (Thomas), Lindsay Gray, Mary Kaliher (Kyle), Emily Hendricks (Michael), Abbey Moseley, Jake Bryans, and Jo Anna Bryans. She is also survived by her brother Bill Barnes (Janice), son-in-law Mark Bryans, nieces, and nephews, and eight great-grandchildren.

A family memorial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home on Monday February 22, 2021.  In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to be made to the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation, American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.