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Hazel Irene Willis, 103 years, 11 months, 6 days gently drew her last earthly breath and stepped on Heaven"s shore at 2:40 P.M. June 6, 2013. Daughter "CJ", grand daughter "Kip" and son-in-law Benny were honored to be at her bedside in the home. She was surrounded by her entire family in pictures:her beloved husband Jim, her cherished son Jimmy, all the grand children and great grands, and her dear sister Ethel.
Hazel was born on June 27, 1909, in York, PA to George and Cecelia Metcalf. In her own words, she penned, "The day of my birth is the day I asked Christ into my life." She and older sis Ethel grew up learning ballroom dance and etiquette as the second story of their home welcomed young men and women of York for formal dances complete with orchestra. Finishing high school early, Hazel attended business school and began a lengthy career in clerical and administrative work. After the death of her father and the marriage of her sister, Hazel took her mother to Washington, D.C. were she began her civil service career with the Department of the Navy.
A blind date evolved into a 64 year marriage to W.J."Jim" Willis, Jr. on February 21, 1942. Cecelia Jane "C.J." was born during her dad"s Navy stint, and son W.J. "Jimmy" Willis, III completed the family while they resided Columbus, Ohio.
Hazel began her stay-at-home- mom career in 1944. The family moved to Midwest City in 1949. Soon Hazel began Jack and Jill PreSchool "the area"s first, private home, curriculum-driven classes for four and five year olds. Having "graduated" 200+ children and with her own children in high school, Hazel audited business classes at Midwest City High School to prepare to return to civil service work at Tinker Air Force Base. She retired from her position as administrative assistant to the TAFB Hospital Medical Director in 1972 and for the next twenty years, she and Jim traveled across the United States sightseeing and visiting their children and grandchildren. She and Jim were instrumental in the founding of the Artisan 9 art studios. Somewhere in the midst of caring for her loved ones, Hazel enjoyed continuing education classes and swimming at Rose State College, her church family at First Baptist Church, and gardening.
Mrs. Willis is preceded in death by her parents, devoted husband "Jim", her sister Ethel, and countless family and friends.
She is survived by daughter "CJ" and husband Benny of the home, son Jim and wife Anne of Pamona, CA, nephew and nieces Dr and Mrs. Bill Willis, Tulsa; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Willis, Memphis, Ms Sarah Hanna, Houston, grandsons Jeff Powell of Lake Jackson, TX, "B.J." Powell of Choctaw, David Min Willis of Los Angeles, CA, John Kao Willis of Indianapolis, IA; grand daughter "Kip" McElwee of Midwest City, three great-grandgirls and six great-grandsons.
Hazel"s entire family extends its deepest appreciation to Dr. Patrick Morgan, wife Robin, staff Rhonda and Tammy. Our gratitude to Midwest City Home Health and Quality Hospice - both of home sent angels as caregivers. You are invited to Hazel"s Celebration of Life and LIFE at Barnes and Friedrich Funeral Chapel on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11 A.M. Her family welcomes visiting with you at the Ice Cream Social which follows in the Community Room.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Mrs. Willis" honor to the charity of your choice or New Community Church Promised Land Building Fund.
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