Bernita Belle (Knowles) Willis

Bernita Belle Willis, 97, of Henderson, Ky. formerly of Shawneetown, Ill., passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2017, 12:48 p.m. at the Colonial Assisted Living in Henderson, Ky.  She was born on May 30, 1920 near Norris City, Ill. in the Indian Creek area,  to the  late Lemuel Potter and Emma Mae (Ripperdan) Knowles.  Bernita married Melvin Wallace Willis on August 30, 1958 and Melvin preceded her in death on September 10, 2002.  She was a member of the Emmanuel Methodist Church in Shawneetown and a member of the DAR Eldorado chapter.  She retired from Illinois Dept. of Public aid after thirty-four years of faithful and committed service to the community.   Bernita is survived by her son, Michael Nolen of Henderson, Ky.; four grandchildren, Tammy Kelly, John Michael Shirk, Bryan Nolen, and Kathryn Nolen; seven great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren; two nephews, Sherman and Glendal Shell.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Jonnie Kay Shirk; one great grandson, Jason Matthew Kelly; two sisters, Susan Knowles, Eileen Shell; six brothers, Vides Knowles, Cleo Knowles, Arnold Knowles, Orval Knowles, Lemuel Knowles and Frenchie Dunivan; her daughter in law, Ruth Nolen.  Bernita was an inspiration to everyone that knew her and she will be sadly missed.  Visitation for Bernita will be held on Wednesday, November 29th from 10 a.m. until service time at 12 p.m. noon at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown.  The Rev. Cherrie Wilkerson will officiate the service with burial at the Hogan Cemetery in rural Shawneetown.  Memorials may be made to the Emmanuel Methodist Church of Shawneetown.