Obituary of Billie Willis

Billie Ruth Willis was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on April 26, 1937. She was one of five children born from the union of the late Andrew and the late Mary (Monday) Treadway. Billie moved to Michigan with her family in the early 1950's. Billie married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Willis on February 16, 1957 in Tazewell, Tennessee. From this union the couple would raise seven children together. She helped support her family by working as a School Bus Driver for Monroe Public Schools, she also worked at Speedway, The News Herald, The Heritage Newspaper, and Toledo Guardian where she delivered newspapers to stores in the area. Billie was a coal miner's daughter; she worked hard and knew how to make a house a home. She attended church regularly and received her spiritual nourishment from the North Monroe Street Church of God where she was a member and sang in the choir. Billie loved to read her bible and participate in Bible Study every Thursday morning. Being the Christian women she was, Billie was always concerned with others salvation. Billie was known as a "Southern Firecracker" with a great sense of humor always making others laugh. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She would provide them with car rides whenever they needed transportation and loved to challenge them to help them become more independent. She loved the holidays, always hosting gatherings at her home. She liked to listen to Jimmy Swaggert, work puzzles, and go for walks. She also volunteered at the Salvation Army and Frenchtown Senior Center. Billie Ruth Willis, age 77, of Monroe passed away at 10:25 am on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at home. Her passing was preceded by her parents, her loving husband of forty-seven years: Robert "Bob" Willis; two brothers: Clyde Treadway and Jerry Treadway; and two sisters: Geneva Sharp and Omie Tidwell. To cherish her memory she leaves four daughters: Sherrie Sutphin of Monroe, Deborah "Debbie" (Kerry) Coman of LaMirada, California, Pamela (Dan Simmons) Willis of Monroe and Tonya (Kevin) LaBell of Monroe; three sons: Jerry (Linda) Willis of Newport, Vincent (Michelle) Willis of DeBary, Florida and Gregory A. (Sandra) Willis of Newport; twelve grandchildren: Ryan Willis, Chad Willis, Adam Willis, Racheal Willis, Brittany Willis, Jerrica Coman, Clayton Willis, Carter Willis, Kayla Willis, Joshua Willis, Travis LaBell and Shianna LaBell; four great grandchildren: Landon "Scooter" Willis, Caiden Burke Willis, Ryliegh Willis, Paige Willis; six brothers and sisters: Gillis Treadway, Clara Hundley, Donny "Duck" Treadway, Johnny (Addie) Treadway, Josephine "Sue" (Ronny) Gregory and Janice Treadway. Friends may gather from 2:00pm till 8:00pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of her Life will take place Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 11:00am also at Merkle's with Pastor Heath Hunter of North Monroe Street Church of God officiating.