Edna (Shorter) Willis

Edna Shorter Willis, age 93, of Erwin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Christian Care Center of Unicoi County. She was born in Farmville, Virginia to the late Hansford and Lula Swan Shorter. Edna had been living in Erwin since 1972.

She was a homemaker and a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church. Edna lived a life full of love and laughter. With her husband, Jay on the road, parenting fell to her. She was involved with PTA, carpooling, scouts, chauffeuring kids around and she welcomed all that came. Edna loved to laugh and share stories. It was hard not to smile around this feisty woman!

For many years, Edna sent “thinking of you” cards to hundreds of people sharing a spiritual message and reminding them someone cared. She was active with The Sunshine Sisters taking a meal to Ronald McDonald House once a month. Edna started every morning with devotional readings and bible study while sitting at Edna Central in her kitchen.

In addition to her parents, Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Cadez Willis in 2005; sisters: Phill Glover, Linda Shreck, Cassie Cowger and Mary Robertson; son-in-law, Gerald Barnett.

Edna leaves behind to cherish her memory, her three children: Mary Katherine “Kathy” Barnett of Cayce, South Carolina, Helen Imogene Tilson (Greg) of Harvest, Alabama and Earl Cadez Willis of Erwin; sister, Theresa Barron of Keysville, Virginia; grandchildren: Melanie Dougherty (Billy) of Gaston, South Carolina, Mary Helen Schumacher-Barnett of Cayce, South Carolina, William C. Willis of Erwin and Katie Slagle of Erwin; great grandchildren: Morgan and McKenna Dougherty of Gaston, South Carolina, Megan and Will Dougherty of Swansea, South Carolina, Jackson Schumacher-Barnett of Cayce, South Carolina, Rhiannon and Carson Slagle of Erwin and Sammy Slagle of Erwin; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of Edna’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on June 15, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Erwin. At Edna’s request please wear your blue jeans and a shirt of your choice. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in memory of Edna to Ronald McDonald House, Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or the charity of your choice.  

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Willis family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin is privileged to serve the Willis family. (423) 743-1380.

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