Essie M. Willis, age 93 passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 4, 1917 in Moultrie, GA and moved to Arcadia with her family when she was two years old. Essie is of the Christian faith and a member of First Christian Church of Arcadia. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and sister and will be missed by all who knew her. Essie loved taking care of her family and spending time with them. She also enjoyed sewing,and knitting. She is survived by nine children, five sons; Roy D. (Zula) Willis of Arcadia, FL., Russell A. (Edith) Willis of Lake Placid, FL, Jerry L. (Retha) Willis of Lake Placid, FL., Fred (Geneva) Willis of Arcadia, FL and Bobby (Colleen) Willis of Lake Placid, FL.; four daughters Bertha (Bob) Loughren of Arcadia, FL, Shirley M. Murphy of Arcadia, FL., Beatrice (Paul) Kellner of Ruskin, FL and Barbara Jean (Jay) Johnson of Gulfport, MS, one brother Bo (Myra) Bishop of Lake Placid, FL and one sister Lola M. Watkins of Arcadia, FL.; twenty four grandchildren, thirty five great grandchildren and eleven great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 11:00AM at the First Christian Church, 34 El Verano Ave., Arcadia with Rev. Ron York officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Arcadia. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.