Obituaries

The Lord called Alice Beth (Morris) Willis, 99, of Sherman, home on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. She fell asleep peacefully after spending time with family and friends. Her life was an instrument of love, laughter, and generosity.

Alice was born on April 23, 1925, in Maypearl, to Alice Jordan and James Luther Morris. From six children, she was their only daughter. She was a graduate of Maypearl High School and the University of North Texas at Denton. She was a dedicated educator having served in Fort Worth ISD, Dallas ISD, Irving ISD, and the Sherman Public School System for 31 years.

Alice was the twinkle in the eyes of Thomas Darden Willis of Sherman whom she married on October 28, 1951, at Maypearl First Methodist Church. They were the parents of two children, Alice Ann Link and Thomas Darden Willis II. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her love was demonstrated as a faithful caregiver for her husband.

Alice found great joy in being an active member of the First Baptist Church and the Adult Two Sunday School Class. She was a member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, Grayson County Retired School Personnel Association, Life Member of the Texas State Teachers Association, Eastern Star of Texas, and a past member of the American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, Rio Rojo and Ethel Renfro Study Clubs.

God was her first love, then her family and her friends were very dear to her. Survivors include her children, Alice Ann and Ken Link of Fort Worth and Thomas D. and DeDe Willis of Dallas; her grandchildren: Julie Link Steffens and husband, Philipp, of Berlin, Germany, Will Link and wife Kelly of Fort Worth, Kenner Link and wife Elizabeth of Fort Worth, Nika Willis and Evan Willis both of Dallas, Texas; and her great-grandchildren: Henry, Hugo, and Harrison Steffens, Auggie and Ellery Link, and Savy, Etta, and Lawson Link; her sister-in- law Dorothy Ann Adkins of Norman, Oklahoma, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her caregivers and dear friends, Margie Brooks and Rita Murphy, for whom, she had great appreciation and admiration.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother James L. Morris and wife Velma of Plainview, brother Tom Morris and wife Estella of Amarillo, brother Jack Morris and wife Scottie of Plainview, brother E.R. “Tut” Morris and wife Tommie of Mesquite, brother Haynes Morris and wife Lois of Fort Worth, sister-in-law Nona and husband Dr. E.O. Smith, Jr. of Houston, sister-in-law Fredlyn Noe of Sherman, and brother-in-law Don Adkins of Norman, Oklahoma, as well as family and friends dear to Alice.

Alice lived a rich and joyful life for the Lord. She’ll be missed beyond measure but her unconditional love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God will be her legacy. She’ll be remembered for how she lived, and for the profound impact she had on many lives. Her family and students have been influenced by her concern for their education.

A celebration of life will be held for Alice Willis on December 9, at 11 am, at First Baptist Church Sherman. A Reception will follow the service at the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Sherman in Alice and Tom Willis’s name.

You may sign the online guest book at www.dannelfuneralhome.com