Mary Lou Willis

1934 - 2017

Willis, Mary Lou
1934 - 2017
Mary Lou Law Willis, age 83, passed away on December 2, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. She is survived by her devoted husband William A. "Bill" Willis; their two children Lynne Willis Steger and W. Jeffrey Willis and his wife, Kathy; and five grandchildren, Caitlin and Corinne Steger and Kevin, Ryan, and Daniel Willis. A much-loved only child, Lou was predeceased by her parents, Daphne Cooper Law and Clyde Everett Law. She was born in Cirtsville, West Virginia, on September 9, 1934, and grew up in Beckley, West Virginia. Lou enjoyed close relationships and frequent reunions with her fellow graduates from the Class of 1952 at Woodrow Wilson High School, where she was a member of the Thespian and Jolly Jill Clubs. She also attended West Virginia Girls State before graduation. At Marshall College (now university), she majored in education and was a member of Future Teachers of America and Kappa Delta Pi international honorary society in education. She was also involved in College Theatre, Greek Caucus, and served as recording secretary of Pi Kappa Sigma sorority. Lou graduated in 1956 and later earned a master's degree in education from The Ohio State University. A lifelong teacher, she taught elementary school in Miami, Florida and Northwood Elementary School in Columbus, then joined OSU where she supervised student teachers. She eventually returned to the classroom as a specialist in the TIES (Teaming for Individualization in Elementary Schools) program at Fishinger Elementary School in Upper Arlington. She went on to teach at Barrington Elementary School in Upper Arlington and retired as assistant principal. In a teaching career lasting more than 30 years, she forged lasting friendships with many fellow educators. Lou enjoyed the opportunities she had to travel the world with her husband, Bill, through his job at Nationwide Insurance. She spent birthdays in Monte Carlo, made many trips to other parts of Europe, and traveled as far as China. Lou was an active member of North Broadway United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, where she and Bill were married the day after Christmas in 1962. She also volunteered at Riverside Methodist Hospital after retirement. Intelligent and determined, Lou courageously faced her diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. She became a featured speaker for the local Alzheimer's organization and also took the time she had to enjoy her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her family will receive friends form 5-7pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 North High Street. In lieu of flowers, the family invites gifts in her memory to be made to Wesley Glen, 5155 North High Street, Columbus 43214. To share memories or condolences with the family, please go to www.schoedinger.com.