Willie married "Kenny" and the two of them lived in Long Beach, California and Okinawa, Japan, while Kenny served in the US Navy from 1967-1969. They had two children, Scott of Sarasota, FL and Kelly of Fairway, KS.

Willie was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend that spent all of her life taking care of others. Most of her adult life was spent volunteering at schools, church and committed to her community. She was a true servant. Always smiling, she didn't know a stranger, Willie made all people feel comfortable and welcome always. She was a wonderful cook, world traveler, loved gardening, caring for her flowers and plants especially her famous ferns. There was nothing Willie cherished more in her life then being Grammie to her three grandchildren, Sterling, Harper and Hampton Thompson. They cherished her just as much as she did them. She taught them so much about life and the truest sense of love and kindness.

Willie was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, a sister and a brother.

An open visitation will be held Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 pm in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. There will be a private family celebration of life funeral mass on Monday, October 30, 2017. She will be laid to rest following the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 East Bennett, Springfield, MO 65804.