Ressie E. (Brown) Willis, 94, of Roanoke, VA, entered her eternal rest on July 19, 2019. She was born to the late Emmett and Mae H. Brown of Galax, VA on September 17, 1924.

Mother Ressie was married to the late Arthur Willis and two children were born to this union: Daughter Opal L. Jackson of Roanoke, VA and Son Clayron Willis of Galax, VA (who dies at the age of one).

Mother Ressie had six sisters - Hazel Kyle, Minnie Horsley, Mary L. Brown, Gladys Thompson, Edna Taylor, Margret Hampton; and 3 brothers - Spencer Brown, Ed Brown, and Jessie Brown, all of whom preceded her in death. Mother Ressie was the last living sibling. She is survived by her only daughter Opal L. Jackson (Myles Sr.), grandson Myles Jackson Jr. (Keisha) of Roanoke, VA, a great-granddaughter Shaya Jackson of Roanoke, VA and a host nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mother Ressie had been a member of Riverhill Baptist Church since she was 9 years old and then relocated to Roanoke, VA, in 2001 to live with daughter Opal & son– in– law Myles Sr. , who later became her caregivers.

Mother Ressie was under "watch-care" at First Baptist Church – Cloverdale, VA, under the Pastorship of Rev. Dr. Tommy London (retired) and continued attending services under Pastor Rev. Sean Burch, Spirit of Unity Baptist Church (formerly First Baptist Church – Cloverdale, VA).

Mother Ressie graduated from Christiansburg Institute and taught school afterwards for a while. She loved teaching school. Later she was a domestic worker for 10 years and then was employed by Vaughn & Bassett Furniture Company until she retired.

Mother Ressie loved to sing and play the piano. She participated in many church activities while at River Hill Baptist Church and in Roanoke as long as her health permitted. She loved to read her Bible. She had read her entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation several times. When asked to speak at church, you would always hear her say, "I love the Lord and I am not ashamed to tell anyone." She would also say, "You better get right with the Lord because you never know when He is coming."   She was also known to wear her high heel shoes whenever she went out; Mother Ressie was a dresser!

"Little Did We Know"

Little did we know that morning that God would call your name.

In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you, you are always on our side.

Our family chain has been broken and nothing seems the same.

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Anonymous – submitted by the Family