Betty Jo Willis

Mrs. Betty Burch Willis, age 88 of Athens, passed away, Thursday, March 7, 2019 at her residence.
A native and life-long resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late William Alton and Nana Sue Stewart Burch and was preceded in death by her husband William Clyde Willis, Jr. on May 7, 2017 2 sisters, Carolyn Howell and Wanda Montgomery, 
and 2 infant brothers.
A devoted Christian, Betty was known for her humor, enjoying a good laugh, and cultivating the world's beauty in her garden.  She had a warm kitchen that always welcomed family and friends.  She was a direct decendent of the pioneers that settled the McMinn County area and of the surveyor who laid out the first roads in McMinn County.
Survivors:
1 son, Larry Joe Willis of Athens;
1 daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn Willis Heathcote and Russell Heathcote of Pensacola, FL;
3 grandchildren and spouse
Dr. Jada Leahy and LCDR Robert Leahy U.S. Navy Pensacola, FL;
Talem (T.J.) Willis of Athens    
AO1 Jared Heathcote U.S. Navy  of Pensacola, FL
2 great-grandsons
Robert Michael Leahy II and Owen William Leahy of Pensacola, FL;
Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM Saturday, March 9, 2019 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Kerr officiating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.  Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycockhobbs.com/notices/Betty-Willis.  Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.