Jean Willis

Jean Willis

On October 3, 2024, Jean was ushered into heaven peacefully in her sleep with her dear cat Finn by her side. She was 97. She was cremated according to her wishes and there will be no service. Family and friends will gather later to celebrate her life and spread her ashes.

Jean was born July 25, 1927, at 808 South Main St in Roswell, NM. This white house is still located across the street from St. Peter's Church. Her family lived there, for a short time, with Jean's uncle and aunt, Evans and Allyene Smith. The Smith and Willis family have lived in Roswell for over 100 years. She has seen so many changes in Roswell and loved sharing the history of this town. She once said, "We all did pretty good for poor little urchins."

Jean was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Tommie Willis, sisters: Evelyn "Babe" Willis and Ruth Willis, brothers: JT Willis, Maurice Willis and wife Roberta Barbour Willis, Ken Willis and wife Kay Kizer Willis. Those left to cherish her memory are very loved nieces and nephews. Stephen Willis and wife Paula, Donald Willis, Leaslee Willis Neff and husband Edsel, John Willis and wife Samantha, Sabrina Willis, and Todd Willis and wife Michelle. She has 15 great nieces and nephews and 13 great-great nieces and nephews.

Jean Willis began working for the 5th Judicial District Court in 1946. She was an employee of the courts for more than 60 years. Jean began her career in the license plate division and was quickly promoted to the District Court clerk's office. She became the District Court clerk. She was the 5th Judicial District Court Administer for 20 years and the State Court Administer. During this time Jean preserved and collected historical documents, books, and memorabilia associated with the courts. In 2006 the Jean Willis Museum was founded in the courthouse and still there today. Jean was love and respected throughout the judiciary. She was given the nickname "Queen of the Courts". Jean loved spending time in Santa Fe working, eating, and shopping for antiques, jewelry, and a variety of southwestern art. She loved everything about New Mexico and its culture. Her home was a unique artistic museum in itself!

Jean also dedicated her life to her family and friends. Her home was always warm and welcoming with good food, warm smiles, hugs, a laugh or two, music and art. Sunday lunches and Grandma's secret recipe chocolate cake were always a delicious treat. Jean was always up to travel with family and friends. She had many adventures. She loved a good slot machine in a casino and was very lucky!!! Jean's other great love was a good game of golf. She shared her talent with family, many friends, and work colleagues. Jean had many dogs and cats over her life. She loved them all dearly, especially her last two Annie and Finn.

Jean had a real sense of humor and wit about her. She even had one of her nephews, at 6 or 7 years old, prank arrested by a sheriff and put in jail. That was an eye opener for a rambunctious kid! She never lost that quick wit of hers. She had some funny one liners. Jean was a very giving individual. She supported nearly every non-profit organization and her family. We loved receiving one of Jean's homemade Christmas and birthday cards. Jean was so creative and talented. She liked to write poetry, paint, learned to play the piano and guitar, mix a good totty or two, and have good conversation. We will always remember her bright lipstick, good smelling perfume, warm smile, and hugs.

We would like to thank Visiting Angels-Alex, Gaby, Cathy; Quality Home Services- Diana Vickie, and Elizabeth; Paula, Aracely and Lizbeth for their loving care and devotion to Jean over the past years. Also, Sandra, Gary and Deborah for their love and help for Jean in all she needed over the past 25+ years. We are eternally grateful to you all. Finally, Gentiva Hospice staff for your loving care in Jean's final days. Memorial contributions can be made to the Roswell Historical Society, CASA, Humane Society, Assurance Home, or your charity of choice.

Jean will be greatly missed, but her love and memories will be cherished forever. We look forward to the day that we will all be reunited in Heaven. Tears of grief today will be replaced with tears of joy and laughter. We look forward to seeing you standing tall and straight swinging that golf club and yelling "FOUR"!

PSALM 116