Nelle Willis, 84, passed away March 9, 2003.
Nelle Letitia Sturkey was born June 6, 1918, in Knoxville, Tenn., to Charles and Rosa Sturkey. She was the middle child, with an older brother, Charles, and a younger brother, Jim. The family moved frequently as her father advanced his career.
She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1938 and married Avery W. Willis Jr. soon after. Like Mrs. Willis’ brothers, Avery was a Navy officer during World War II. Their first son, Avery III, was born in 1943 while the couple was stationed in Georgia. The family moved to Seattle after the war, and Avery Jr. joined his father-in-law at Washington Natural Gas Co. The couple’s second son, Charles Stephen, was born in 1947.
Mrs. Willis was PTA president and a den mother in Cub Scouts while raising her sons. In 1951 the family created a summer home on Whidbey Island where the boys could enjoy the kind of outdoor life Mrs. Willis’ parents had created for her at Brown Mountain Beach in North Carolina. In 1958 a third son, Donald Gordon, joined the family and initiated another round of PTA, Scouts, school and community activities. All three sons became Eagle Scouts.
Mrs. Willis’ parents retired to Sunlight Beach in 1972. It continued to be a gathering place for family and friends from all over the country. Eventually Nelle and Avery also retired to the island. They joined Langley United Methodist Church, and were active in the P.E.O. group and the Lions Club. During these years, the couple traveled and kept a connection with family in North Carolina. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Langley Methodist Church in 1988, and took care of Mrs. Willis’ parents until they passed away. Her brother Charles and his wife, Mary, settled nearby, and close friends Abraham and Marina Magpatoc continue to watch over the family.
Nelle moved to South Pointe in Everett after the death of her husband in 1998. She also was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Christine Lynne.
She is survived by her sons, Avery III, Chuck and Don, and their wives, Robin, Betty and Janine; grandchildren Julie, Ben, Susanna, Jenna and Taylor; and a great-granddaughter, Emily Rose Willis.
Services will be at 11 a.m. March 13 at Langley Methodist Church. The services will be followed by a graveside memorial, then a reception at Useless Bay Country Club.
Remembrances may be made to Langley United Methodist Church.
Marjorie Grace Oldfield O’Connor
Marjorie Grace Oldfield O’Connor, 89, of Freeland, died March 9, 2003, at her residence.
She was born April 12, 1913, in Pierre, S.D., to Charles and Francis Oldfield.
She moved from Dallas, Texas, to Whidbey Island three years ago. She was a member of St. Hubert Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters of America.
According to her family, she was the sweetest, gentlest and most giving person one could ever know. All who knew her loved her. Her strength, tolerance and wisdom touched all who turned to her for guidance.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. O’Connor.
In addition to a sister, Blanch Keller, she is survived by three sons, Dennis O’Connor, Kenneth O’Connor and John O’Connor; a daughter, Candace Cooke; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services will be private.
Visser Funeral Home, Langley, is in charge of arrangements.
