Doris Marie (Clark) Willis

Doris Marie (Clark) Willis slipped peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at home surrounded by her family. Services are scheduled for Friday, July 20, 2018, at Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church, 417 CR 1143, Tyler, with visitation beginning in the sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. and a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Tyler Memorial Cemetery. Services will be conducted by Reverend Richard Luna under the direction of Caudle-Rutledge-Daugherty Funeral Home. The youngest daughter of James Clifton and Frances Clark, Doris was born in Jenkins, Texas, on January 11, 1928. She graduated as Valedictorian from Daingerfield High School Class of 1945. She completed Tyler Commercial College and worked as a secretary until her marriage. Her favorite jobs, however, were that of wife, mother and grandmother, and there was never a doubt that these were the roles she was born to play. A fiercely strong woman with a servant’s heart, Doris lived her life loving and caring for others. Doris was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Sam L. Willis, two brothers, Chester and Henry Clark, and two sisters, Deba Holt and Elsie Hall. She is survived by one son, Lamar Willis of New Harmony, and two daughters, Melodie Willis of Tyler, and Melinda Love and her husband Chris of Troup. Grandchildren left to cherish their memories of Nena include Amy Wanke of Austin, Kristen Howard (Chris) of Chandler, Doug Willis (Britni) of Tyler, Joe Wright (Erica) of Troup, Erin Jones (Chris) of Tyler, Breann Wilson (Mike) of Tyler, Jacob Wright (Nicole) of Mixon, Cari Goodrich (Kris) of Gilmer, Breanne Love (Blake Curtis) of Overton, and Kariann Wright of Troup. Nena was also blessed with fifteen great-grandchildren: Seth and Emily Howard, Reagan, Lyndsey and Lukas Winget, River Willis, Jarren and Easton Wright, Harper and Maggie Jones, Cameron Wilson, Presley and Bode Wright, Kynlee Curtis, and Skyler Wright. Because there could never be enough kids and chaos in the house, Nena freely gave her love to many “heart selected” grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Doris is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff of Heart to Heart Hospice and to Dr. John Scroggins for his many years of loving care. They would also like to thank the many wonderful friends who have provided support, encouragement and prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pleasant Retreat United Methodist Church, 417 CR 1143, Tyler, 75704.

Doris Marie (Clark) Willis

January 11, 1928 - July 18, 2018