Mary Willis

ANNA, Ill. -- Mary Ann Willis, 93, of Lake of Egypt, formerly of Anna, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007, in Williamson County.

She was born in Alexander County, daughter of John and Beulah Miller Abercrombie. She and Kendall Willis were married May 25, 1933. He died Aug. 14, 2004.

Willis was a 1930 graduate of Tamms, Ill., High School, and received a provisional teachers certificate from Southeast Missouri State University in 1931. She took correspondence courses through Indiana University, and attended summer classes at Southern Illinois University, University of Illinois, University of Southern California and the University of Boston.

She taught at a rural school and at Anna Elementary, was the school psychologist at Anna, and was director of special education nine years. Recently, she was subdividing 10 acres to create Abercrombie-Willis Place. She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include a granddaughter, Karen Hilliard of Waco, Texas; three great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, two grandsons and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Verlee Eaker officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery.