Elizabeth Willis Obituary in Shelby at Enloe Mortuary

Obituary For Elizabeth Willis

Ms. Elizabeth Smith Willis, 89, of Shelby, NC passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at her residence. She was born on August 1, 1931 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Levi E. Smith and the late Fleeta Camp Smith.

At a young age, Elizabeth joined Shoal Creek Baptist Church where she was a musician for many of the church choirs; she was a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and Summer Youth Ministry for the children of the church. She was on many church committees and a true servant of God through her years of service at Shoal Creek Baptist Church.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Camp High School, and she furthered her education and graduated from Fayetteville State University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also obtained her Masters of Science in 1983 from Western Carolina University. She was employed by Cleveland County Schools for 37 years where she taught at Philadelphia School, Lattimore Elementary, and finally retiring from Union Elementary.

Elizabeth was the epitome of a strong black woman, and she ensured her family was taken care of until her final days. She loved arts and crafts, teaching children to play the piano, traveling and spending time with her family. She was also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority where she did avid community service in the Cleveland County with her sorority sisters. She was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ebenezer Association in Cleveland County where she was recognized for her loyal and dedicated services.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother William Edward Smith, her Goddaughter Wysheena M. Hurt, and a host of in-laws whom she loved and cared deeply for.

Left to cherish her lifetime of memories that took our breath away are her daughter Adrienne L. Dawkins of Shelby, NC and a granddaughter she reared as her own S. Michele Willis of Gastonia, NC; her beloved grandson Anthony Neal of the home, and her granddaughter of her heart of arts and crafts Alyea Neal. She was also blessed to leave an impression on her great-granddaughter Dynam Neal. She also is survived by her siblings Versia Gilmore, Frances Seary, Ruby Moses (Carey), Willie Mae Miller, Joseph Smith (Philann), Levi B. Smith, John Smith (Merlene), Waymon “Gene” Smith, Gwen Campbell (Marsh) and Alberta Short,; her Godsons’ Derrick Hopper and Keith Dawkins and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Ms. Willis will be private. The service will be livestreamed starting at 1:45 PM on Sunday, May 16, 2021. She can be viewed from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM at Shoal Creek Baptist Church on Sunday and other times at 702 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Shelby. Burial will take place at Shoal Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

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I was just looking through the obituaries looking for an old friend and found that Miss Willis had passed. She was one of those ladies, mothers who I saw and looked up to growing up. I always loved seeing her beautiful smile. My heart and prayers goes out for her and her family . I know heaven is a little bit brighter with a smile. Tommy Brown

I mistakenly came across Mrs Willis obituary by accident while looking for another. I haven't lived in NC in many yrs but I immediately recognized her from her obituary picture. What a wonderful & caring woman she was. I remember her from school many years ago and she was always so pleasant & always had a smile on her face. She was always just so sweet. Prayers for her family & friends.

I'll remember her pushing the book cart and smiling, even when she didn't want to do either, she still did. That always left an impression on this little boy that was learning to read from Lattimore. Thanks:)

My prayers are with you during this time. Mrs. Willis was the librarian at Lattimore Elementary while I was a student there. She was wonderful! Mrs. Willis always had this same beautiful smile and helped me to love books and enjoy reading! Please know that she touched many lives in a positive way while being the librarian at Lattimore! We will be thinking of you. Danette Williamson Wesson

My prayers are with you during this time. Mrs. Willis was the librarian at Lattimore Elementary while I was a student there. She was wonderful! Mrs. Willis always had this same beautiful smile and helped me to love books and enjoy reading! Please know that she touched many lives in a positive way while being the librarian at Lattimore! We will be thinking of you.

My thoughts and prayers to the Smith and Willis Famil.y I've known Lizzie and the Smith family all of my life and have many memories especially of growing up in Shoal Creek Church. May the Lord our God give each of you comfort and peace. Kim Morrow

I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family. May our father in heaven bring you comfort during this time. Mavis Jones (daughter of the late Earl Wilton and Ovella Hosch Jones)

Sending our prayers and condolences to the family. My God continue to ease the pain. Terry and Lula Gregory

We, the siblings of the Late Charlie and Lillie Crosby-Coleman convey our Love and Deepest Sympathy to the Family!!! "Share times, shared memories, and shared joys will always linger near!!! God bless you all!!💕🌺🙏🏽

May God bless, comfort, keep and strengthen you all in your time of grief. I grieve with you and will miss Sis. Willis and her BIG radiant smile! It was something about that smile that warmed me when I spoke to her. I'll cherish my memories of her with the youth choir many years ago when I was a child and her gift she shared when she tickled the ivorys. I thank God she made it in!!! In Christ- Jackie Beam Woody

We the family of Georgia Houge McCray stand with you as you mourn your loved one. A woman blessed of God blesses her household and we are assured that God blessed Elizabeth in accordance with her walk with God. In sympathy with you: Mr. William (Bill) (Evelyn) McCray Atlanta, Ga.; Rev. Patricia (Jasper) Baker, Greensboro, NC; Rev. Kenneth (Dollie) McCray; Mrs. Jacqueline (James) McManus; High Point,NC.