Barbara Willis

Barbara Jean Willis, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on May 6, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her dearly.

Barb was born on March 2, 1940, in Northville, Michigan, to Frances and Bernard Fling. She grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan and graduated from Walled Lake High School. From a young age, she embodied compassion, resilience, and warmth – qualities that defined her life and deeply touched those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Bernard, her older sisters Marjorie and Phyllis, and her husband Bill of 31 years.

After many years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom, Barb built a meaningful and successful career in healthcare administration, spending over 25 years in the field. She finished the majority of her professional life in Toledo, Ohio, where she served as the Office Manager of a large orthopedic practice. She was immensely proud of her accomplishments, and her doctors and staff were not just colleagues – they were extended family. After retirement Barb moved back to Jackson, Michigan to be closer to family.

Barb is survived by her loving children: Kim (Rusty) Youell of Jackson, Kellie (Brandt) Hinojosa of Jackson, and Billy (Gail) of Ada, MI. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Heather (Cassie), Trey, Brandt, Hadlie, Finn, and Chloe, and a cherished great-grandmother to Nolan, Eleanor, Wren, and Sophie. Barb is also survived by her brother Bernie.

She loved to travel and never passed up a chance to explore new places with friends or take a shopping trip with her girls. But her greatest joy was being with her family – whether gathered around a meal or cheering at her grandchildren’s sporting events, she was always their biggest fan. A lifelong Detroiter at heart, Barb was an avid supporter of all Detroit sports teams and a loyal follower of University of Michigan athletics.

Her warmth, humor, and strength touched everyone she met. Barbara Jean Willis will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love she gave, the life she led, and the example she set.

A celebration of Barb’s life will be held on May 30, 2025 at 10:30am -  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Jackson, MI. with Reverend Jadon D. Hartsuff, Officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter.

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