Winnie Faye Galimore Willis

Winnie “Faye” Willis, age 91 of Pace, Florida went to Heaven on Saturday morning, September 21, 2024 at The Gardens at Calvary Assisted Living Home in Columbus, Georgia with her two daughters by her side.

Faye was born on January 22, 1933, in Brantley, Alabama to the late William Grady and Minnie Lee Beck Galimore. She was the oldest of five children and graduated from Elba High School in 1950. After a short courtship with the “love of her life,” James “Jim” Williford Willis, they eloped to Lucedale, Mississippi and married on June 24, 1950.

 Their family began with the birth of their first daughter, Shelia Faye Willis, on September 13, 1951. Shortly after, the three of them moved to the Wallace Community in North Florida near Jim’s parents, Marvin and Tura Ellen Willis. Three years later, their second daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Lee Willis was born on December 1, 1954, and their life was rooted there until they moved to Pace, Florida in 1975.

 Faye worked in the early years for short periods of time at the Chemstrand Plant in Pensacola, Florida, the Vanity Fair sewing factory in Milton, Florida, and the J & F Handy Store that Jim built next to their house in the late 1960’s. Faye spent most of her adult life as a successful “stay-at-home mom.”

 The family attended Wallace Baptist Church not far from their home where her in-laws were founding members. Faye was dedicated to that church for many years and managed many positions there. After moving to Pace she became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Faye lived her life as a “good and faithful servant” by caring for others in her church and community.

 In 1975, Faye joined TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly. TOPS became a vital part of her social life, as she dedicated her time and commitment to the principals and the people of the organization.

 Always deeply connected to her family and friends, Faye touched so many lives with her genuine concern, compassionate and prayerful heart, wonderful smile, and was the biggest encourager ever!! She will be missed.

 Faye asked many times over the last few years, “Why am I still here?” Why? Because God wasn’t finished with her! She lived the last 6 years of her life at The Gardens at Calvary Assisted Living Facility in Columbus, Georgia. She became a “mom” to many as she blessed others with her kind heart and compassionate spirit.

 Faye was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim of 68 years; two brothers, James and Junior Galimore; sister, Elaine Galimore Johnson.

 She is survived by her sister, Janis Clifton of Prattville, Alabama; daughter, Shelia Faye Willis Diamond (Mike Powell) of De Funiak Springs, Florida; daughter, Debbie Lee Willis Smith (William) of Pine Mountain, Georgia; four grandchildren, Heather Diamond-Griffin (Stephen) of Queretaro, Mexico;Jonathan Blair Diamond (Melissa) of Pace, Florida; Jamie Lee Smith of Atlanta, Georgia;William “Will” Smith, Jr. of Ashville, North Carolina;and five great-grandchildren, Eva Diamond-Jones,Amelia Marie Diamond, Anna Blair Diamond, Elaine Hope Diamond Griffin, Charles Cole Diamond-Griffin.

Family wishes to thank the staff at The Gardens at Calvary for all the love and care given to her for these last 6 years.

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Gardens at Calvary, 7595 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909 or Columbus Hospice House, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909.