Cheryl D. Willis

Cheryl Denese Willis, age 61, passed away suddenly on January 29, 2026. She was born on August 31, 1964, in Tucson, Arizona, and was truly one of the kindest, warmest souls anyone could ever hope to know.

Cheryl had a big heart and loved everyone she met. If you knew her, you were loved by her. She had a gentle spirit, an easy smile, and a way of making people feel welcome and seen. It was impossible not to love her.

She graduated from Bryan High School and later attended Charles & Sue's School of Hair Design. From 1992 to 2009, Cheryl was the bright and familiar face greeting patrons at the Post Oak Mall Guest Services counter. From 2011 until her passing, she worked in hospitality at Country Inn & Suites in College Station, where her kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on countless guests and coworkers. Anyone who encountered Cheryl walked away better for having met her.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, William Willis; her mother, Nancy Willis; her brother, Charles Willis; and her brother and sister in law, Garry and Jan Willis.

She is survived by her stepmother, Frances Willis; her sister-in-law Kathy Willis, her stepbrother Terry Ryan, her nieces and nephews, Robert and Sandra Willis, Jenni and Charlie Abraham, and Stefanie and Kyle Yandell; and her great nieces and nephews, Tyler Abraham, Hannah Abraham, William Abraham, Maddie Willis, Jessica Abraham, Mollie Yandell, Matthew Willis, and Anderson Yandell.

She is also survived by her very close friend, Charles Pittman. Cheryl and Chaz shared a deep friendship for many years that meant a great deal to them both.

One of Cheryl's greatest passions was acting. She performed for much of her life with Stage Center and the Navasota Theater Alliance, where she found joy, creativity, and community. She also had an everlasting love for Barry Manilow and the movie It's a Wonderful Life, both of which reflected her appreciation for heartfelt stories, music, and moments that celebrate kindness and connection.

A memorial celebrating her legacy of love, generosity, and quiet goodness will be held Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, TX. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.