Margaret Lamar Willis

Margaret Lamar Willis, age 94 of Monroe, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 at Alice Lorrain Care Center. Born February 5, 1931 in Clover, SC, Lamar was the daughter of the late James and Estelle (Warren) Hicks. She graduated from Clover High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve her country during the Korean War. She served from February 27, 1951 until being honorably discharged on May 21, 1952. While in the Navy, she met Ray Y. Willis and the two were wed on August 18, 1951 in Clover, SC. They made their home in Charlotte, NC until moving to Michigan in 1967. Together they raised five children. Lamar was an avid fan of Jefferson High School Football. She was an active member of the Bears Boosters Club and once sat on a stationary motorcycle with then Vice-Principal Bruce Pickens at a Bears event, rocking to the song “Bad To The Bone. She was later inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2011. Lamar was a member of Frenchtown Senior Citizen’s and formerly served as an Election Official for the township. She enjoyed traveling to SC, NC, and GA to visit with family and friends, usually three times a year. Lamar is survived by four children: James (Beth) Willis of GA, Ray (Karan) Willis, Jr. of NJ, Karen Price of SC, and Jean (Brian) Kohler of Newport, MI; 11 grandchildren: Jason Willis, Ray (Amber) Willis, III, Lucas (Emma) Willis, Rob (Heather) Price, Josh (Kathy) Price, Jennifer (Israel) Hernandez, Jacqueline (Tuan) Trueng, Nathan Willis, Jake (Brittany) Kohler, Angie (Rick) Pauwels, and Steven (Crystal) Kohler; 20 cherished great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jean Barrett. In addition to her parents, Lamar was preceded in death by her husband in 1983; son William Willis in 2014; sister Bennie Helton; sisters-in-law, Jewel Willis and Liz Perry; 4 brothers-in-law, Don Helton, Walter Perry, Wayne Barrett, and Clarence Willis; and 2 nephews, Bill Tucker and Donny Helton. Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with cremation arrangements. Private graveside services will be held in Brookfield, GA when she is laid to rest with her husband and son. The family would like to thank the staff of ALCC for the wonderful care given to Lamar during her 11 month stay. For anyone interested in making a donation in memory of Lamar, please consider supporting the Humane Society of Monroe County. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Margaret Lamar Willis

February 5, 1931 - April 20, 2025