Norma Willis

After 92 years of a remarkable life, Norma Jean Gwinn Willis passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Peyton Hospice House, Lewisburg. Jean was the daughter of Mark H. and Bessie M. Gwinn.

Jean graduated from Alderson High School in 1952. It was there she met her lifetime companion and husband, S. Carroll Willis. They were married on December 29, 1956. She devoted her life to being a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother.

She shared her love and talent for design and fashion as an employee and manager of J.M. Alderson Department Store for more than twenty years. She had an uncanny ability to select the most charming ensembles for her customers.

Jean was a knowledgeable collector of antiques. Nothing pleased her more than a day at estate or auction sales. Her home reflected the beautiful examples of her taste.

Jean loved the ocean and cherished yearly vacations at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, sharing a condominium with her husband, son, and daughter-in-law. It pleased her greatly to include invitations

to friends to share beach visits and memories.

Faith in Jesus Christ was a quiet but steady part of Jean’s life. She was a member of Old Greenbrier Baptist Church in Alderson, where she joyfully was the longtime chairman of the flower

committee. There, she displayed her love for flowers and making the church sanctuary a beautiful example of her joy.

She was a member of the Woman’s Club of Alderson, the Mothers’ Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Alderson Fire Department, PTA, and Order of Eastern Star.

Jean is survived by her son S. Jeffrey Willis and wife Karla, and two grandchildren, Stephanie Thomas (Henry) and Thomas S. Willis. She was lovingly looking forward to the birth of her first great-granddaughter, who was born just a few hours after her passing. Jean is also survived by a sister-in-law Etta Gwinn and a number of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a very special caregiver, Janet Gibson. Janet was with her daily for more than three years and was a devoted friend and companion.

Jean lived a life marked by devotion to her family, church, and community. She leaves behind fond memories of love, life, and friendship.

She will be remembered by extended family and friends who will deeply miss her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, and brother Donald E. Gwinn (Jack).

Services will be Wednesday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg with Rev. Mike Loudermilk officiating. Friends and family may visit Tuesday evening, October 20, between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. and 1 hour prior to services on Wednesday. The family requests that memorials be made to Peyton Hospice House, 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901, or Old Greenbrier Baptist Church, POB 456, Alderson, WV 24910.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Willis will be Gill Merritt, John McCutcheon, Thomas Willis, Scott Ballard and Matthew Drebing.