Dorothy Maxine Bailey Willis, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 5, 1933, in Wise County, Texas, to Denton S. and Mary Opal Mosier Bailey, Maxine’s life was filled with love for the Lord, her family, her church, and her many friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Melton Lee Bailey, and her grandson, John Willis, Maxine is survived by her husband of 68 years, John D. Willis, her sister, Marilyn Baker (Joe), and her four children, Tim Willis (Lynda) of Clemson, South Carolina; Tamara Radican (Rick) of Jackson, Mississippi; Tony Willis (Cathy) of Texas City, Texas; and Tina Turley (Ernie) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Surviving grandchildren are Amy Wald (Christopher), Chris Radican (Coral), Ashley Elkins (Ryan), Austin Willis (Theresa), David Willis, Tori Gartside (Brad), and Tess Turley. Great grandchildren are Colton and Rogan Elkins, Isabella Wald, Isaiah Justice, and Tatum and Tillie Turley.
Active in the First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs, Maxine was a vital part of the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) and the Rehoboth Association. She was a member of the Unity Sunday School Class, the Diamond Set 55 Plus ministry, and a charter member of the Silvertone Choir. Maxine was a faithful member of First Baptist Clifton, Texas when she lived there, and enjoyed time spent singing with the women’s quartet.
Funeral services for Maxine Willis will be held in the Spence Chapel of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs on Saturday, January 5 at 11:00 a.m. with West Oaks Funeral Home directing. Prior to the funeral, the family will receive visitors in the church chapel at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral at Hopewell Methodist Church Cemetery in Gilmer, Texas. Pallbearers are grandsons and grandsons-in law. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Unity Sunday School Class and ladies of the WMU.
Flowers or memorial gifts are appreciated by the family. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs WMU Scholarship Fund or the Gideons.
“Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning, When with our Savior heaven is begun. Earth’s toiling ended, O glorious dawning; Beyond the sunset, when day is done.” Brock, 1936.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home.
