Mildred Carlan Willis

Mildred Lucille Carlan Willis, 91, of Elberton, took her place in heaven on August 4, 2009, surrounded by her five children and her faithful dog, “Gypsy.” She was born June 21, 1918, in Elbert County, the beloved only child of the late Abijah and Ida Ruff Carlan. Mrs. Willis was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, James Ennis Willis.Also preceding her in death were her step-son, James Willard Willis, and her step-grandson, Robert Bruce Willis (Bobby). Mrs. Willis is survived by her children, Dale Willis McCurley (Larry) of Madison,Deane Willis Heaton (Hugh) of Hartwell,Malita Willis Sanders of Bostwick,Keith D. Willis (Vicki) of Elberton, and Kay Willis Shaw (Rawn) of Dallas; eleven grandchildren, Sandy McCurley, Scott McCurley, Melanie Sanders Wible (David), Marla Sanders Whittington (Ken), Russ Sanders (Kristi), Brian Willis, Christa Willis, Frankie Heaton (Christie), Rhiannon Shaw, Amanda Shaw, and Meghan Shaw Brinkley (Jamie); two step-grandchildren, Cindy Willis Williamson and Connie Willis King; and ten great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening, August 6, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00pm and the service will be held on Friday at 11:00am, at Concord Methodist Church in Elberton. The body will lie in state beginning at 10:00am.The Reverends Billy Pittman, Troy Ayers, and Al Davis will be officiating.Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Frankie Heaton, Scott McCurley, Russ Sanders, Brian Willis, grandson-in-law, Jamie Brinkley, and nephew, Sam Bond. Hicks Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Mildred Lucille Carlan Willis.