Norma Lee Davis Willis passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday morning, December 18, 2024, at Amber Manor Care Center in Petersburg.

Norma was born October 27, 1932, in Petersburg at home to George and Fern (Gray) Davis. She married Gardner T. Willis on July 3, 1950, and they were married 59 years. Gardner preceded her in death on April 28, 2009. Together they farmed land around the Willisville area and owned the Handy Hardware store on Main Street in Petersburg for 18 years. Norma was integral to and proud of the farm and livelihood she and Gardner built together and often mentioned the first home they lived in that had ice on the kitchen floors in winter. Physical activity was integral to her soul and as her pain increased and her ability to walk about waned, it took a quick toll on her.

She was a graduate of Petersburg High School and earned her bachelor's degree in teaching from Oakland City College. Norma taught 10 years beginning at Petersburg High School and also at Otwell, Winslow and Pike Central, teaching business classes and PE. Many students have expressed to us she was one of their favorite teachers. She was the oldest of seven, five sisters and two brothers, and performed that role well throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of Petersburg and Brenton Chapel Churches of Christ and her desire was for everyone to know Christ. Our matriarch always sought out people she felt needed a helping hand and gladly did so-even sometimes when they didn't necessarily want it.

She is survived by and was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother to her two sons, Scott (Libby) and Greg (Carla) Willis, 4 grandchildren, Nate (Samantha) and Tom (Ashley) Willis, Andrea (Kevin) Moss and Kinsey (Trent) Barrett and 11 great grandchildren, Paisley, Gardner, Kipton, Avelynn, Elaina and Vivienne Willis, Jaxen and Carter Moss, Grady, Turner and Fletcher Barrett all of Petersburg. She is also survived by three sisters Anna Nicholson, Judy Dyson and Karen Hudson and many nieces and nephews. Nothing brought a smile to her face quicker than seeing her great grandchildren or any child at Amber Manor.

Preceding her in death besides her husband Gardner T. were her sister, Mary Lou Sturgeon and brothers, Donald and George Larry Davis.

Visitation for Norma will be from 10 AM to 2 PM EST with the service at 2 PM EST on Monday, December 23, at Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg. Pastor Tony Sims will be officiating, and burial will follow at Walnut Hills Cemetery in Petersburg. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Somebody's Place or Brenton Chapel Church of Christ. Donations may be mailed to PO Box 217, Petersburg, IN 47567. Harris Funeral Home is entrusted with care.