GREENVILLE – On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville, our beloved Clarice Willis was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 82. A faithful servant of Christ, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and grandmother, and a cherished woman of strength and grace, she passed peacefully into eternal rest, reunited with her husband and best friend, Leroy Willis, whom she missed dearly since his passing just one year ago.
Born October 18, 1942 in Greenville, Clarice lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She was the heart of our home and the pillar of our family. A God-fearing woman who truly walked by faith and not by sight, she poured love into everything she did – whether it was cooking one of her famous meals, carefully tending her garden decorating her home with joy, or simply watching her favorite soap operas in the quiet of the afternoon. She served faithfully as the head of the culinary department at First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, where she nurtured generations with love, wisdom, and prayer. Her door was always open, her food always warm, and her heart always full.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leroy Willis; her daughter, Beverly (Darrell) Hocker; her parents, John and Majie Lee Elliott; her sisters, Georgia Gene Elliott, and Marion (Clifford) Broadnax; and her brother, John (Myra) Elliott.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and strength. Survivors include her children, Pam (Ronnie) Pearson, Lisa Wells, and Andrea Willis; brother, Larry (Ann) Elliott;and her grandchildren, Kendra Smith, Tyra Pearson, Phillip Smith, Phelan (Steve) Aliprandi, Justin Pearson, Jasmine Wells, Brooklyn Willis, and Maddie Willis. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends whose lives she touched deeply with her kindness, love, and prayer.
Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice knowing she has entered into the presence of the Lord – where there is no more sickness, no more pain, and no more sorrow. She fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) And now, we believe Heaven is celebrating her arrival. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15
Funeral services will be Friday July 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville with Rev. Terrence Minor officiating. Burial in West End Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Tucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
