Johnnie Mae Owens Willis

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Owens Willis, 80, of Malvern, Arkansas, peacefully completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from the comfort of her home. She was born on September 26, 1945, in Hermitage, Arkansas, to loving parents, Dan Owens and Ollie Ja’Ruth Thompson Owens.

Johnnie Mae was a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of unwavering faith who loved her family unconditionally. She sang praises to the Lord and often sang lovingly to her children and grandchildren. She loved each of them equally, showing no difference in the kindness, compassion, and care she gave. Her love was steady, her heart was generous, and her faith guided her life.

She cherished capturing life’s special moments through pictures and videos, preserving memories that will now be treasured even more. Straightforward and honest, she spoke her mind with confidence. When she meant business, everyone knew it — yet even in her firmness, her love always shined through.

Johnnie Mae was known for her wonderful cooking. Some of the best meals and treasured cooking tips in her family came from her kitchen, lovingly passed down through generations. She carried those traditions proudly and shared them freely.

Independent and highly intelligent, she was a true example of strength through prayer. Her perseverance during life’s difficult seasons reflected her deep faith and trust in the Lord. She exemplified what resilience, grace, and unwavering belief truly look like.

She was married to her beloved husband, Clayton, for over 44 years, building a strong foundation rooted in love, faith, and family.

Johnnie Mae attended Annie A. Wilson High School and continued her education at Santa Monica College. She later completed H&R Block Tax Preparation training, supporting her passion for helping others through her income tax business. She also kept and cared for foster kids during this time. She worked in the aerospace industry as a supervisor at Northrop Grumman in Los Angeles, California. After relocating to Arkansas, she faithfully served and later retired from Perla Water Works in Malvern, Arkansas.

Her faith remained central in her life. She attended ACTS Ministries in Conway and North Little Rock, when health challenges prevented her from attending in person, she faithfully continued watching services through video broadcast, remaining spiritually connected and engaged. She loved to travel and treasured spending quality time with her family.

Johnnie Mae leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Curtis Jr., Wesley Murdock (Carla), Clayton Christopher Willis; daughter, Destiny Willis; her sisters, Annie Jean Owens Ellis and Jeanette Owens Singleton of Arkansas; her brothers residing in Arkansas, Jerome (Carla) Owens, Ralph Owens, and Joe Paul Owens; her brother-in-law, Jimmie Willis Jr (Hattie Mae); her sister-in-law, Rosie Wright; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Ollie Owens; her brothers, Danny Owens Jr., Vernell Owens and D.C. Owens; sister, Ora Lee Owens Davis; and her beloved husband, Clayton Willis Sr.

Her strength, wisdom, leadership, faith, and unconditional love will forever remain in our hearts.

Johnnie Mae's Homegoing Celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at First Baptist Vine Street Church in Malvern. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern.

She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Clayton Willis, Sr., at El Bethel Cemetery in Hermitage, Arkansas.

Her online guestbook is available below for those wishing to share words of comfort and condolences. Brandon’s Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with professional services and compassionate care.