Patricia Ann Smith Willis was born to the late Dora Bitting Smith and the late Charles Dawkins
in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on May 22, 1950. She grew up in the loving home of her paternal
grandparents, the late Lonnie H. Dawkins and the late Nellie Dawkins, who she affectionately called
"Granny.
"
She was educated in the public schools of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and graduated from A.H.
Anderson High School in 1968. After high school graduation, Patricia attended Winslam Business College
and Russell Business College. She was the treasurer of the 1968 Anderson High School Reunion Class
and she was a member of the Happy Hill Senior Citizens Club.
Patricia exercised the tenets of her faith as a member of First Calvary Baptist Church where she faithfully
served on the Usher Board until declining health limited her active participation.
Patricia Ann Smith married Timothy Wayne Willis on November 15, 1972. The couple's union was blessed
with the birth of two daughters, Kimberly Janee′ and Dacia Chevonne. Patricia was a devoted wife and a
loving mother. She and Wayne enjoyed 52 years of marital bliss prior to her recent passing.
She retired from Wachovia Bank and Trust Company (Now Wells Fargo Financial Services Company) after
more than 30 years of dedicated service to the company.
Patricia Smith Willis peacefully passed away at Trellis Supportive Care (Hospice Home) in Winston-Salem,
NC on Sunday, July 13, 2025, following a period of illness. In addition to her parents and her grandparents,
she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Janee′ Willis-Gordon.
The unspeakable joy that awaits her in heaven is the hope and promise of those who look forward to a
reunion with her in eternity. Included in that number is Timothy Wayne Willis, her beloved husband of the
home; her dear daughter, Dacia Willis of Durham, NC and her precious grandchildren, Asha Tandy and
Amir Tandy; brother, Samuel (Shirley) Smith of Williamstown, NJ; sister, Carolyn Smith Robinson of New
York City; her devoted sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson; brother-in-law, Robert Jerry Willis; several nieces and
nephews, including two beloved nephews, Lee (Seredi) Dixon and Shaun (Latoya) Dixon; a very special
neighbor, Shirley Wallace; a good friend, Deborah Powell; two aunts, Diane Bitting and Carol B. Young; an
uncle, Bernard (Vivian) Bitting of Columbus, OH; many dear cousins; several extended family members
and friend A public viewing will be held Friday July 25, 2025 from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held held Saturday July 26, 2025 at 11:30am from Douthit's. Family will receive friends at 11:00am.Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.