PENNY JEWELL WILLIS

…Even so, come Lord Jesus. -Revelation 22:20

…and so shall we ever be with the Lord. I Thessalonians 4:17

Penny Jewell Willis, 90, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Wexford House in Kingsport, Tn.

She was born in Pardee, Va. on December 17, 1933 to the late, Howard and Narcissis (Bledsoe) Willis. Jewell graduated from East Stone Gap High School; attended Clinch Valley College, now UVA-Wise; Radford College, now Radford University. She retired from the Scott County Public School System after 30 years as the librarian at Rye Cove High School. She attended Oak Grove Baptist Church and Heritage Church of God, both in Big Stone Gap, Va.

In addition to her parents, Jewell was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Ann Willis; and several aunts and uncles.

She was survived by numerous cousins.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Wexford House for the care they provided for Jewell over the past six years.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave, W., Big Stone Gap, Va. A committal service will follow in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Alan Collier officiating. Music will be provided by the Maness Family Singers. Private burial will follow at Glencoe Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Claude Bledsoe, Jerry Bledsoe, Brian Edwards, Will Edwards, David Edwards and Lynn Lawson. Honorary pallbearers will be: Mack Edwards, Donald Ray Bledsoe, Jeff Jacobs and Roy Emory.

Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve Ms. Willis’ family.

To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.