Mrs. Lessie Louise Wickware Willis was born in Cherokee county, Texas on July 29, 1939 to the late Sylvester Wickware and Lou Edna Gossett Wickware, she was the youngest sibling of 16. Mrs. Willis transitioned on Wednesday, December 7,2022.

She attended G. W. Bradford High School in Rusk, Tx. graduating in 1959. After graduating she moved to Tyler with her eldest brother the late Samuel Wickware where she attended Cosmetology School and became a Licensed beautician.

Shortly after moving to Tyler she met " The Love of her Life " Thomas "Smokey" Willis who she affectionately called "Tom" and

they were married in Holy Matrimony on May 26,1961. To this union they had one daughter.

She had several careers including homemaker. Mrs. Willis was a longtime member of The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Lessie loved baking and canning. In 2004 she decided to try her entrepreneurial skills by opening Smokey's Sandwich Shop where she took pride in serving neighbors, friends, and family with sandwiches and baked goods. Especially her tea cakes and pies.

She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas A. Willis , her parents and 14 siblings.

Lessie leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memories: Her daughter Theresa G. Willis, 3 Grandsons Rashad Willis Marsh, LeKendric Harmon, T'Keiston Harmon and 1 beautiful granddaughter Taelor Harmon all of Houston Tx. 1 great granddaughter Celine Monet Willis Marsh of El Paso and 1 great grandson Baby Harmon of Houston Tx. 1 sister also Ruby Jewel Mapps of Dallas and Sister in Laws Hattie Gildon Willis, Rose Willis, Loretta Willis and Alma Wickware. Brother in laws Robert Willis Sr. & Charles Willis Sr. Special Caregivers Angela Warren and Yolanda Blunt, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends