Betty Willis' Obituary
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Gunn Willis, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend to many. Betty passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, at the age of 85, with her loving sister Mary at her side.
Betty arrived on the dark red earth of Demorest, GA, on April 19, 1939, as a gift to her parents, Dewey and Beulah Gunn. She grew up in a close-knit family, where she was instilled with the values of kindness, hard work, and community service. After graduating from Demorest High School, Betty moved with her family to Nashville, beginning her college education in the city.
In 1957, while working at her first job in a dry-cleaning store, Betty met the love of her life, Hal Willis. Together, they shared many wonderful years until his death in 1997.
After attending college, Betty worked at Vanderbilt in the child Psychiatric unit. Her skills and compassion helped her rise to the position of Director of Inpatient Services over the 40+ years she worked for Vanderbilt. During Betty's tenure, she helped thousands of families and children find peace and connect with each other and the rest of the world.
After retirement, Betty turned her attention to traveling with her friends and family. She went all over the world. She walked the streets of Paris and London, cruised over the remains of the Titanic in the North Sea, and visited her granddaughters, Cristina and Daniela, in Italy and her daughter, Cindy, and grandson, Derek, in New York. She also made frequent trips to one of her favorite places: Florida
Betty Gunn Willis was a woman of incredible intelligence, grace, strength, and unwavering faith. Her life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and resilience. She touched the hearts of everyone she met, and her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends. Betty's legacy of love and service will continue to shine through the lives of those she touched.
Betty is survived by her sisters, Mary and Francis; her daughter, Cindy; her grandchildren, Cristina, Daniela, and Derek; the rest of the “Three Musketeers,” Gwen and Mary; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
Betty Gunn Willis will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace.
Services are pending at this time.
Arrangements entrustedd to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615)865-1101, www.springhillfh.com
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