Mary Nell (Walton) Willis

Mary Nell Walton Willis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, at the Joseph House in Lufkin, Texas, surrounded by her devoted family.

Born on January 10, 1945, in Orange, Texas, to John Preston Walton and Eliza Fox Walton, Mary Nell was raised on a family farm in San Augustine County, with her siblings, Donald, Byron, Hubert, and Gail. Mary Nell attended Broaddus schools and she and her family were active members of Attoyac Baptist Church.

Her lifelong love story with John Willis began in childhood and blossomed into a beautiful marriage on July 16, 1962. Together, they raised their children—Prudence, Sean, and Angela—with love and dedication.

A passionate educator, Mary Nell earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in education, touching countless students’ lives throughout her teaching career. She found joy in traveling, family time, and cherished memories in Galveston. Her warmth, humor, and selfless love made her a treasured presence in the lives of many.

Mary Nell is survived by her husband, John Willis; children, Prudence, Sean and his wife, Angeline, and Angela and her husband, Billy Phillips; grandchildren, John Wesley, Shane Henry, Taylor Mary, Clayton Charles, Brad Richard, Brooke Lee, and Troy Drayton; and great-grandchildren, Jack Snead, Harper Rose, and Drayton John.

Mary Nell was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Walton.

A funeral mass will be held for Mary Nell at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in San Augustine, Texas. Pallbearers will be John Willis, Shane Willis, Clay Willis, Troy Willis, Brad Phillips, and Pearson Randel.

Mary Nell is finally going home and her love, kindness, and dedication to family will forever be cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph House in Lufkin Texas.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFH.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

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