Terry Willits

Terry Willits
Passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on November 26, 2025, he was 65 years old.
Terry was the son of Cynthia Cross. He was the brother of Susan Turpin and Jim Willits. He was the brother-in-law of Tina (Jim) Willits, Cheryl (Steve) Kundert, Thelma Barentine, and Chris (Cathy) Carr. Terry was an adoring uncle to Britni (Gio) Scianna and Devon (Alaina Pena) Willits. He was a beloved great uncle to Jack, Eva, and Raven Scianna. He was an uncle by marriage and by heart to Stephanie (Joshua) Foster, Carla Kundert, Jeremy Carr, Marcus Barentine, Jacklyn (Brody Wright) Carr, Jacob Carr, Elliott Foster, and Liam (Samantha Matthews) Forst. Terry was also a brother-in-love to Robert and Susan Birch, and Lynn Theis, He was a nephew to Dick (Sandi) Pfennig and Nephew to Joni Pfenning, cousin to Julie Pfennig, Patty (John) Smith, and Rich (Ashley) Pfennig, and their families.
He was proceeded in death by his mother Cynthia Cross, sister Susan Turpin, uncle Dick Pfennig, Nana Geraldine Pfennig, and Grandfather Richard Pfennig.
Terry was born on July 22, 1960, at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Il to Cynthia Cross and her husband. Doctors told Cindy that he would not walk, talk, and his life expectancy would not be long. Cindy did not accept that prognosis. With exceptional love and support, he exceeded exponentially. Terry not only walked, talked, and lived a long life, but he did it with many accomplishments.
He went to school to finish with a certificate of education from high school in 1982. Terry competed in the Special Olympics in track and field with first and second place ribbons. He worked for Ray Graham association for several years. He also worked at Dominick's grocery store for 17 years.
His giggle was infectious as well as his personality. He always wanted to invite everyone over to have parties. Boy did he love to dance. He loved singing, playing instruments, and was always the center of attention. He made everyone around him smile.
Terry lived in Wheaton, IL for most of his life with his mother until she passed in 2017. At that time, he came to live with his brother Jim and his family. It was such a blessing to have that time with him. In 2022, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. By March of 2025, he went to live at StoryPoint Memory Care Center in Romeoville, IL. He made many friends with the residents and staff. Terry was quite the popular guy. His brother Jim visited him every evening to put him to bed, kiss his forehead, and tell him "Good night, buddy". Their bond was unbreakable and still is. Terry had lots of nurses and CNA's that took good care of him. He had two personal caregivers, Dalia through the week and Mel on the weekends. He loved all of them very much.
Visitation will be held at Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friday, December 5th. Funeral service will be held at Mt Emblem Cemetery Chapel, Saturday, December 6th at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers memorials to Special Olympics or Lightways Hospice will be appreciated.