Irene Gray (Nesmith) Willis

Julia Irene NeeSmith Willis, aged 90, died peacefully on February 24, 2017 at Community Hospice in Vidalia, Georgia.  Irene was born August 18, 1926 in Soperton, Georgia, the daughter of Herschel and Bessie NeeSmith.  She worked as a bookkeeper for most of her life.  She was a long-time member of the Cedar Crossing Church of God and served as their secretary, following in her mother's footsteps serving as one of the fixtures of the Church.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Earl Gray "Big Pa" in 1985, and was widowed two additional times – Clyde Carter of Mt. Vernon, GA and Eldridge "Skee" Willis of Brunswick, GA.  She loved every one of her extended families.  She was also preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Ellen Chafin of Rockledge, GA.

Survivors include her children, son-in-law Ed Chafin of Rincon, GA, daughter and son-in-law Bunny and Alan Cover of Yulee, FL, son and daughter-in-law Colin and Rita Gray of Fernandina Beach, FL, daughter Susan Wiggins of Lyons, GA, and daughter and son-in-law Pam and Mark Taylor of Acworth, GA, 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cedar Crossing Church of God with Pastors Reece Mincey and Steven Toole officiating.  There will be a private family graveside service to follow.

While flowers are accepted, the family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Community Hospice of Vidalia, GA.

Low Country Cremation and Burial of Reidsville, GA. are in charge of the arrangements.