Zelma Willis

** Important notice about service information. Please see below. **

Zelma Gray Lewis Willis, 96, of Williston, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Crystal Bluffs Nursing Home in Morehead City.

Born in Davis, North Carolina, Zelma was raised in a seafood family and carried the values of hard work and community throughout her life. She was married to Gerald Willis for 65 years until his passing. Together, they lived in Williston before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, where Gerald worked with Willis Barge Co.

In 1973, following the loss of their son Jerry Willis, Zelma, Gerald and Rusty returned to Williston. There, they opened G&R Grocery Supermarket in Smyrna—a family-run business operated by Gerald, Rusty, and Zelma until it was sold in 2000 for Rusty to enter Full Time Pastoral Ministry. Zelma cherished her time living on Williston Creek and remained deeply connected to her community.

A devoted member of Williston Methodist Church for nearly 80 years, Zelma found spiritual fellowship and lifelong friendships within its congregation. In her later years, she became part of the Beaufort by the Sea Community Church family, where her son Rusty serves as founding pastor.

Because of the forecast of a winter storm, the visitation and funeral service has been moved. A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 2:00pm, at Beaufort by the Sea Community Church in Beaufort. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00pm at the church. 

She is survived by her son, Pastor Rusty Willis and wife, Etta of Williston; granddaughter, Laura Willis Warmack of Charlotte; granddaughter, Sarah Willis Howard of Raleigh; grandson, Aiden Willis; grandson, Billy Willis; granddaughter, Ryleigh Willis all of Williston; grandson, Chris Wellmon of Jacksonville, FL; four great grandchildren: Christian, Brycen, Landon, and Rachael; sister, Joyce Mason of Beaufort; Zelma’s Forever daughter-in-law by Jerry, Mary Ann Willis Wellmon of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her, parents, Luther and Llewellyn Lewis; son, Jerry Willis; her husband, Gerald Willis; two siblings, Jean Lewis and James Paul Lewis.

In lieu of flower Memorial Donations may be sent to: Williston Methodist Church, PO Box 917, Williston, NC 28589 or Beaufort by the Sea Community Church, PO Box 930 Beaufort, NC 28516.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.