Ada Louise Willett

Ada Louise Caldwell Willett, lovingly known as "Sally" by her husband, was born on March 27, 1934, on Little Creek in the Meadow Fork Community. She went to be with Jesus on February 5, 2026, following an extended stay at The Greens of Weaverville. She is now reunited with Roemane and the many loved ones who went before her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lolas Stamey Caldwell; her devoted husband, Roemane Willett; her brothers Kenneth Caldwell, J.C. Caldwell, and Ed Caldwell; two infant brothers, Gerald Caldwell and Johnny Law Caldwell; and her daughter-in-law, Trilla Willett.

Aside from her time at The Greens and a period during her childhood when her family lived in Newport News, Virginia, Ada spent her entire life in Madison County. Her family moved to Virginia after her father found work in the shipyard, but Madison County-especially the home on Meadow Fork-was always home.

She is survived by her sons: Dennis Willett, Frank Willett (Debbie), Jerry Willett (Renee) and Darrell Willett (Patti). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Mishelle Reid, Sherry Willett, Stephanie Willis, Jacob Willett, Caleb Willett, Julia Willett, Daniel Willett, Morgan Merrill, and Ryleigh Willett; her great-grandchildren Caitlin Hartnett, Mason Thorpe, Chase Willis, Ayden Willett, and Ava Willett; and her great-great-grandchild, Kason Thorpe.

Many of her grandchildren grew up in homes situated on the family's farm, and Ada was instrumental in raising them. When her sons' families were going through lean times, she and Roemane quietly stepped in to help, making sure the children had Easter dresses, circus tickets, or whatever else was needed. They never let their grandchildren feel the weight of hard times.

Ada was known for her large garden and the pride she took in it. She grew a wide variety of vegetables, but her most famous were her Mr. Stripey tomatoes, greasy green beans-an heirloom variety from Southern Appalachia-and sweet corn, which absolutely had to be the Kandy Korn variety. Because she canned and froze what she grew, her vegetables could be enjoyed all year long. She was also well known for her Red Velvet Cake, made from a recipe she received from Aunt Bonnie Stamey, and for the enormous spreads of country cooking she lovingly prepared for her family.

In addition to keeping a large garden, Ada worked alongside her family for decades raising burley tobacco. She was no stranger to the long, hard days that came with it. Growing tobacco was a way of life for her and her family, and Ada was always right there doing her part.

Family, church, and God meant everything to Ada. She was a member of Meadow Fork Baptist Church her entire adult life, where she and Roemane faithfully raised their sons. She was at church every time the doors were open. Ada loved gospel music, especially The McKameys, The Inspirations, and the Primitive Quartet, and she sang at church for decades, most often alongside her sons.

Her longest-standing job was at the Blue Ridge Shoe Plant in Hot Springs, where Roemane also worked. Outside of work, Ada made it her unofficial job to offer her family plenty of unsolicited advice-always with the very best intentions. Her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as "God's Secretary," as well as "007," which has a story if its own.

In her younger years, Ada loved going to concerts and was a big fan of Conway Twitty and Elvis. Even after dementia had taken so much from her, she could still remember and sing Elvis songs. She enjoyed watching westerns, the ID Channel and other true crime shows, and Judge Judy. Sports were a big deal in the Willett household, especially NBA basketball, and Ada and Roemane spent many hours playfully arguing over which team was the best-the Chicago Bulls or the Detroit Pistons. Ada proudly supported the Bulls, while Roemane stood firm with the Pistons.

Ada kept cattle, and at times goats, and after Roemane's death, her special dog Sammy kept her company. All of her grandchildren were her favorite-she told them so, and there is even a video to prove it. She loved to "hide" her candy and sweet treats, knowing full well the grandchildren would search them out and sneak a bite. She also enjoyed a good chaw of Red Man tobacco-unless a preacher was around-then she would nearly break her neck trying to hide the evidence.

Services will be held at Meadow Fork Baptist Church on Saturday, February 14, 2026. A viewing will be held at 1:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m., followed by a brief graveside service. The Reverends Andy McDevitt and Frank Willett will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jacob Willett, Caleb Willett, Dennis Willett, Frank Willett, Darrell Willett, and Mason Thorpe. Honorary pall bearer will be Daniel Willett.

Ada's life was rooted in faith, hard work, family, and love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

Condolences can be made to the family online at www.MadisonFH.com.