Shirley Coleen Potter Willis

Shirley Willis passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and pets on Saturday, April 27, 2024, after a long battle with kidney disease.

Shirley was born the daughter of Paul and Dorothy Potter on February 16, 1941, in Centerville, Iowa. Shirley’s father, Paul, Seaman second class U.S.N.R, was killed in action during WWII. Even at such a young age, She had fond memories of her daddy spoiling her at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, prior to heading to the Pacific.

In 1959, Shirley married Frank Willis, the love of her life. Frank and Shirley had two children, Vicki and Brent. Shirley cherished her family and loved marrying into the Willis family. She loved being a stay-at-home mom and was actively involved in her children’s activities, such as dance, Little League and music. Shirley sewed dance costumes to help pay for dance lessons, was band president and secretary for several years, just to name a few of the many sacrifices she made for her kids. After Frank passed away in 1998, Shirley remained faithful to him and their memories for more than 25 years.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Brent (Michelle) Willis and Vicki (Richard) Willis; granddaughters, Megan (David) Lathrop, Amy (Jesse) Nichols, and Melanie Willis; great-grandchildren, Cara Lathrop and Miles Lathrop; and her half-siblings, Teresa Calderon, and Jerry Adler.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Willis; her parents, Paul & Dorothy (Adler) Potter; her step-father, Gerald Adler; and her half brother, Ralph Adler.

Family will be greeting friends Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Shirley will be laid to rest at Powers Warren Cemetery is Runnells, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Suncrest Hospice in memory of Shirley.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsfuneralHome.com

Print