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Joan Willis Obituary
February 15, 1939 - January 20, 2025
Joan Beck Willis of Henrico, 85, peacefully passed away Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. She's preceded in death by her parents Doc & Velma Beck, husband John Willis & daughter Mary Willis Vital. Surviving her are her son Scott Willis (Evie), son-in-law David Vital, grandchildren, Maddie Roberts (Dylan), Sophie Willis & Benjamin Vital. Joan graduated from John Marshall High School & attended William and Mary. Joan retired from Hanover County Public Schools as a Principal at Cold Harbor Elementary School. The family will receive guests on Friday, Jan. 24th, 2025, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave, Henrico-23231 from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. A memorial service/reception will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25th, 2025, at Varina Episcopal Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Willis
Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home - Richmond.
3 Entries
Faith Furbush
January 25, 2025
To all the members of Joan's family and Scott especially:
Peter and I will always remember the fun we had with the Willis, Furbush,
and Grainger families, having dinner together, and then gathering around the piano to practice for our "Colonial Quintet" that we formed to celebrate the nation's Bicentennial...yes, in 1976! Those were special times! And in Hopewell, there will be students who had choir with Joan in middle school, and teachers (especially at DuPont Elementary School) who worked with Joan, who will be remembering her as a fun, kind, and caring person. She was such a fine musician, humble about her talent, and so sweet-natured. Now, she is forever blessed, but forever missed by those who knew her.
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Andrew Herzog
January 24, 2025
Joan was a special soul who cared about every person in her family. When my mother was in the hospital from a fall, Joan beat even the rest of us to see and comfort her. She was truly a wonderful lady and will always be remembered with a smile.
Linda Cumby
January 24, 2025
My favorite teacher! Instilled love of music in my life. Amazing principal to my grandkids. Felt we were kindred spirits and friends! She was fun, spirited kind and considerate, she was fair and could be tough when needed. She was brave beautiful and strong. I will be forever grateful for the seasons we shared so sorry for the family´s loss, will lift you in prayer. So happy for heavens gain - she joined the choirs above all choirs to worship the King of Kings! Hallelujah Amen!
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Memorial Events
for Joan Willis
Jan
24
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Nelsen Funeral Home - Richmond4650 South Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23231
Funeral services provided by:
Nelsen Funeral Home - Richmond4650 South Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23231
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