Ms. Edilene Gardner Saucier Willis

Ms. Edilene Willis, 93 of McHenry, answered her precious Savior's call and went to her Heavenly home on Tuesday, November 21, 2017. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she was beloved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Edilene grew up in McHenry and it was there that she met and married her late husband, J.C. Willis. Together they served God faithfully at McHenry First Baptist Church, where she could be found working alongside her husband in many areas of ministry throughout her years. There was Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, choir, cleaning inside and outside the sanctuary and educational buildings, cooking for the revival preachers, and Sunday dinners for the church pastors and their families. She made many pots of food for church dinners and bereaved families. Her most favorite dish among her family and friends was her chicken & dressing. Although she made a very large pan full, you were lucky to get a spoon full at church pot lucks. She and J.C. were shining examples of Godly people, and were married for 68 years when he answered God's call to join Him in Heaven. Since that time she has missed him terribly, but never gave in to despair. She knew that she would join him again in God's time, and what a celebration they had upon her arrival there. Edilene was also preceded in death by her mother, Louvenia Saucier; her birth father, Ed Gardner, and her step-father who she loved dearly, William T. Saucier; her two sisters, Bobbie Jean Fore and Jeanette McQueen; and her dear son-in-law, Pelda Fairchild. Left behind to cherish her memory are her three children; one daughter, Marie Fairchild of Hattiesburg, and two sons, Buster (Debra) Willis and Billy Joe Willis, both of McHenry; her beloved grandchildren; Jim Fairchild, Len (Danielle) Fairchild, Clifton (Leta) Willis, Jolene (Eric) Strickland, Kim (Daniel) Davion, and Jody (James) Sweet; 11 great-grandchildren, Sarah Kate, Abby Claire, & Annelise Fairchild; Braden, Carson, Ava, & Cela Rose Strickland; Kelsey, Kirsten, & Lauren Willis, and Jamie Sweet, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Edilene also leaves behind her church family, who has loved and prayed for her during her failing health and encouraged the family in her loss. She also leaves to cherish memories of his first pastorate, Dr. Wayne & Rhonda Scarborough of Phenix City, AL. whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind her special family at the Stone County Rehab Facility. Our deepest gratitude to her caregivers there. She loved you all, and we thank God for you, and for the care and love you gave her back. To her special friend, Megan Bolton, you were a special ray of sunshine and brought her so much joy! You and your sons were very special to her. Funeral services for Edilene will be held at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry on Saturday, November 25. The family will recieve friends for visitation from 11 am, with the funeral service beginning at 1. Interment will follow in McHenry Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Wayne Flurry, a dear family friend and her pastor will conduct the services. Pallbearers are Jim Fairchild, Len Fairchild, Clifton Willis, Eric Strickland, Braden Strickland & Daniel Davion. Honorary Pallbearer is Carson Strickland. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Willis family, and asks that you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Cemetery Details