Gloria "Sally" Willis

Funeral services for Ms. Gloria Faye "Sally" Willis will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale, with Reverend Mark Swinnea officiating. Interment will follow in Willis Flat Cemetery, Glenmora, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.
Ms. Willis, 89, of Oakdale, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Allen Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Oakdale, LA.
Ms. Sally, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, was born in Sugartown, and raised in Oakdale. She married the love of her life, Carl Willis, and together they were blessed with four children. She began her career as a waitress at Harper's Café and later continued her work at Olive's Café, where she dedicated over twenty years of service alongside her dear friend Olive Willis. Sally had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. She was known for her ability to make anyone feel at home with just a few kind words and a warm embrace. Whether it was calling to check on a friend, offering help to someone in need, or simply sharing a conversation, she gave her time and love generously. She made many lifelong friends over the years. A devout Christian, Ms. Sally held deep faith and cherished her church family. She thought the world of her pastor, Brother Mark Swinnea, and found great comfort in her favorite gospel song, "Jesus Hold My Hand." Ms. Sally will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of love, kindness, and faith lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her husband of over fifty years, Carl E. Willis; one son, Tommy Willis; her parents, Jesse and Rosie Lee Welch; two brothers, Brevelle Welch and Riley Welch; and four sisters, Bertie Sonnier, Estelle Johnson, Ruby Wheat, and Mae Stanley.
Those left to mourn her loss and cherish her memory include one son, Randy Willis (Crista); two daughters, Janet Gormanous (Tony), and Cindy Skoug (Lenny); five grandchildren, Jason Gormanous (Jayme), Terrance Gormanous (Chelsea), Hannah Jeane (Alex), Bailee Willis, and Ryan Willis; six great grandchildren, Jacey Gormanous (Dawson), Jason "Baby Shot" Gormanous, Jr. (Mallie), Josie Gormanous (Hunter), Drake Gormanous, Audrina Gormanous, and Brennan Jeane; one great-great grandson, Doxx Noblitt; and one great-great grandchild on the way, Arley Jay Noblitt.
A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Visitation will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. until time of service.
Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Willis family by visiting www.rushfh.com