Ms. Mary Louise Willis

Mary Willis-Patterson, 62, of Marianna, Arkansas, transitioned from this earthly life on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:16 a.m. at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving children. Mary was born on December 29, 1963, to the late L.Z. Willis and Earlene Willis. She accepted Christ at an early age at Third Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She later became a faithful member of Spring Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Haynes, Arkansas, under the leadership of Rev. Cedric Coleman. From a young age, Mary carried a strength that defined her life. She was a hardworking mother who dedicated her life to caring for her children and family. She believed in showing up, standing strong, and doing what needed to be done. After many years of dedicated service, Mary retired from the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Later, she continued her working career as an employee in the Security Department at East Arkansas Community College, where she poured her heart into her work until her health began to fail. Mary found joy in the simple things in life. She loved her children deeply and cherished every moment spent with family. She enjoyed fishing, riding four-wheelers, and creating lasting memories with those she loved most. One of her greatest joys was spending weekends, spring breaks, and summer vacations with Nariah. Mary believed life was about making simple memories that would last forever. She was sharp, confident, and truly one of a kind. Mary was honest, outspoken, and never afraid to speak her mind. If she said something, she meant it. Through her strength, resilience, and love, she leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, L.Z. and Earlene Willis; one daughter, Tamaneka Branscomb; and three brothers, Leroy Willis, Shannon Willis, and Levester Willis. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: two daughters, Monicka “Punkin” Branscomb of Marion, Arkansas, and Nikki Willis of Conway, Arkansas; two sons, Jason Willis of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and Jeremy Willis of Joplin, Missouri; twelve grandchildren, Javuntae, Jaylain, Jaella, Kaela, Ivan, Nariah, Marley, Jasmine, Kobe, Olliey, Brantley, and Maila; special companion, Everett “Dwayne” Patterson; two bonus daughters, Tameecia Patterson and LaEsha Palmer; one sister, Cheryl “William” Petty of Arkansas; two brothers, Ronald “Roberta” Willis of Zion, Illinois, and Edgar “Joanne” Willis of Brinkley, Arkansas; one aunt, Helen “Tyrone” Jackson of Marianna, Arkansas; two uncles, Herbert “Mae” McCoy and Ozell “Carlita” McCoy, both of Zion, Illinois; special friends include Wilma, Lavern, Sharon, Jeanette, Mark, Randy, Eashie, Patricia, Kristy, Brandi, and Felicia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Ms. Mary Louise Willis

December 29, 1963 - May 22, 2026