Joann Simpson Willis

Joann Simpson Willis, 85, was called to her eternal rest on Monday, June 29, 2026. She passed peacefully in her sleep at Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where she was cared for by a wonderful staff for nearly five years. Joann was born at Bill’s Branch in Bell County, Kentucky, on October 26, 1940, the fourth child of Clarence and Annie Greene Simpson, who preceded her in death. She married Paul David Willis on November 28, 1958; they were married for 61 years before passing on September 29, 2020.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joann was preceded in death by her siblings, Eugene Simpson, Evelyn and Lonnie Hensley, Christine and John Henry Carver, and Lonnie and Donna Simpson.

Joann is survived by her two daughters, Gloria Charlene and William Willis Marsee of Pineville, Kentucky, and Teresa Lyn and Eugene LeBoeuf of Signal Mountain, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Matthew William Marsee, Lauren Nicole LeBoeuf Gentner and husband, Kyle, Jospeh Paul Marsee, and Nathan Paul LeBoeuf; two great-grandchildren, Ellie Lynn Gentner and Nora June Gentner; special co-sister-in-law, Ollie Kate Willis; cherished son of her heart, John Wesley Widner; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Joann was a graduate of Bell County High School Class of 1958 and a faithful member of East Pineville Baptist Church, where she and her husband, Paul, were devoted to the worship of their Lord Jesus with church family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Joann’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 PM on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home with Rev. John Ledger and Gene LeBoeuf presiding. Entombment will be on Monday at 11:00 AM at the Green Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Middlesboro. Pallbearers will be Joseph Marsee, Kyle Gentner, Nathan LeBoeuf, John Widner, Gene LeBoeuf, and William Marsee.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12:30 PM until the funeral hour at Arnett & Steele Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Pineville, which is honored to serve the Willis Family.