Thelma Loretta Willis

Thelma Loretta Willis, 78, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 4, 2026. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Riley officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Waco Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the funeral home. 

Loretta was born on August 21, 1947, to Roy Lee Walker and Martha Beatrice Copeland Walker. In 1961, she met the love of her life, Samuel George Willis. On May 4, 1962, they started going steady, and their friendship quickly blossomed into a lifelong love story. High school sweethearts, Loretta and Sam were united in marriage on June 14, 1963, welcoming two children and sharing more than six decades of devotion and cherished memories.

Loretta worked at Word Incorporated for many years. Following her retirement, she attended Calvary Cathedral Bible College, deepening her knowledge of God's Word. Loretta loved Jesus with all her heart and was an active member of her church. She was a true prayer warrior who touched many lives. 

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; her mother- and father-in-law, Louise and Woodrow Willis; and her brothers, Steve Walker and Kenny Walker. 

Loretta leaves behind her devoted husband and best friend, Samuel Willis; son, Ron Willis and wife Rhonda; daughter, Lisa Robles and husband Ted; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; sisters, Pat Duke and Connie Bickford and husband Owen; brother, Roy Walker; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She loved her brothers- and sisters-in-law like her own. 

Family was at the center of Loretta’s life, and she poured her love, wisdom, and faith into every generation that followed.