Margie Marie Willess

Margie Marie (Duncan) Willess , age 90, passed away peacefully at 11:15 PM April 15th at her son’s (Walter) home on FM 1798 E in the Brachfield community. She was born in Minden Texas June 30th 1925 to William (Tullie) Duncan and Celia Celester (Crawford) Duncan. Due to financial restraints, Margie was only able to attend grades 1 – 5, but her wisdom exceeded traditional schooling. In her early years; Margie, her mother, father, 2 sisters and 3 brothers traveled to various locations in Texas picking cotton. Her eldest brother (Elton) served in the Army during WWII. He participated in many major European campaigns including D-Day, Battle of The Bulge and others. In late 1941 while Margie was on a picking job at Rockwall Texas, she met Walter Fred Willess. They were married July 27th 1942. In 1943 Walter joined the military and Margie became a Navy Wife. She changed residences between Texas and California several times during Walter’s 2 terms in the Navy. Walter Fred and many of his 6 sisters and 7 brothers enlisted in various branches of the military. The majority served in the Navy and many saw action in WWII. Walter Fred was killed in an industrial accident on August 8th 1957 in Dallas Texas a little over 2 years after his last tour of duty. Margie has resided in the East Texas area since then, remarrying for a short time in the early 1960s. She is survived by one sister; Dovie Green, three sons; Dennis Dale Willess, Walter Dewayne Willess and David Dorian Deason, 4 grand children; Dawn (Willess) Ruthstrom, Bryan Willess, Ray Willess, Trystan Deason, 5 great grandchildren; Summer Gray, Sydney Ruthstrom, Michael Ruthstrom, Kaley Willess, Cameron Willess and many nieces and nephews. The family recently discovered that, over the years, Margie (Mother, Mom, Mama, Granny, GG, Aunt Margie) wrote poems, piddled with art and wrote at least one song that was copyrighted in 1944. Here is the last stanza of one of her poems titled “The Trail That leads Home“ ~ Jesus sent his holy spirit to teach me & guide me so too far from him I would not roam… Tho sometimes the way was dark …. I’d stumble, I’d fall, but not faint. He guided my path down the trail ………………………………………………………I’M HOME !! Anyone who knew her or heard any of her many colorful stories would agree that she had a full and unique life. She was the protector of her sisters and children. She had an easy going joyful demeanor, but was a force to be reckoned with if provoked. Her unwavering love for her children, unyielding faith in God during the many challenges she faced in life, including her courageous battle with cancer, was truly inspirational. Those of us she left behind will always have her in our thoughts and our hearts until we all meet again in eternity after this short life is over. We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support. Open visitation will be Tuesday April 19th at Rader Funeral Home Henderson from 8am to 5pm. Visitation will be at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church on CR 3125 Wednesday April 20th starting at 10am followed by Funeral services at 11am. Pastor Michael Shane Cary (Margie’s great nephew) will officiate. Pallbearers will be Bryan Willess, Rance Ruthstrom, Trystan Deason, Bobby Green, Nicholas Green and Ben Hudson. To quote one of Mother’s most used parting statements after visits: “GO WITH GOD”.

Margie Marie Willess

June 30, 1925 - April 15, 2016