Obituary of Martha Lydia Willis

WILLIS, Martha Taylor

            Martha Willis passed away peacefully October 18, 2018 at the age of 94 and in St. Petersburg, FL.  She was born July 20, 1924, in Morgantown, WV, and graduated in 1941 from Western H.S., Washington D.C.

            Martha was a self-educated career Federal Government employee with the Office of Civil Defense, last serving as a Shelter Planning Officer for the FEMA Office of Emergency Management in the Washington DC area.  In retirement she served on Argonne inspection teams for nuclear power facilities.

            Martha enjoyed travel, playing bridge, her artistic drawing talents, and making gemstone trees and jewelry. She was vibrant and outgoing, making friends quickly after coming to the Tampa Bay area of Florida. She was active in the St. Petersburg Military Officers' Wives Club, Alpha Phi Sorority, and was a DAR life member. Her effervescence, smile, and charm will be missed by all.

            Martha is predeceased by her husband of 74 years, John C. Willis, Jr.  She is survived by a daughter, Sandra Donelan (Ollie), two sons John C. Willis III (Virginia), Mark T. Willis (Shelia), grandchildren John O. Donelan (Mary Beth), Linda Langiotti (Kevin), Nancy Allen (Jason), John Willis IV (Christi), and 12 great-grandchildren.

            Our family extends special thanks to the dedicated staff at Bon Secours Place and Maria Manor for Martha's long-term care.

            Visitation Monday, November 12, 1:30pm and Service at 3:00pm, Anderson McQueen, 2201 Dr. ML King St. N.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made through the "Sponsor a Wreath" program for Arlington National Cemetery online at, wreathsacrossamerica.org.