On the morning of May 12, 2022, our beloved Mother was called home to earn her wings.

Rebecca Carroll Willis was born December 14, 1937, in Gaffney, South Carolina, to the late Jessie Mae Moore. She was raised by the late George and Marie Ross. She had two brothers, Homer Sanders and Tommy Curtis, and a foster brother, Robert Lee Foster, who all preceded her in death.

Rebecca attended and graduated from Granard High School in Gaffney, SC. She excelled in her studies and was a member of the marching band, in which she played the clarinet. She was affectionately known as Joyce to family and friends, a nickname she was given in high school. After graduating from Granard high school in 1956, she moved to New Canaan, CT, where she worked as a nanny. Rebecca later moved from Connecticut to Maryland.

On August 25, 1958, Rebecca was united in matrimony to Frederick Willis, he preceded her in death. They celebrated 50 years of marriage. From this union they had four children, Dimitri, Frederica, Janin and Erik, who preceded her in death. The family originally resided in Washington, DC, but moved to Carmody Hills, Maryland in 1964.
Rebecca initially stayed at home to care for her family. In 1976, she began her career in the federal government working at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, MD, as a clerk-typist. She held other positions and was promoted to the position of travel voucher examiner which she successfully held until her retirement in 2001.

Rebecca was happiest when planning and hosting celebrations with family and friends. She had an extensive collection of cookbooks and books for entertaining with ideas so fascinating she just had to try them. Cooking was her creative outlet, whether she was preparing lavish food displays or baking delicious cakes, cookies, or other sweet treats. There wasn’t a holiday she didn’t enjoy celebrating by creating floral arrangements and festive decorations. Other interests she enjoyed included gardening, listening to music and attending concerts and plays. Rebecca also loved collecting angels and cherubs. But her greatest joys were watching her soap operas and shopping!

Rebecca was a devoted and loving grandmother and great-grandmother, affectionately known as "MJ", Mommy Joyce and Grand Mommy. She was a cheerleader for her grandchildren attending all of their graduations, ceremonies and various activities.

Rebecca leaves to mourn her children, Dimitri Willis (Constance), Frederica Clair, and Janin Willis. Grandchildren; LaTonya Barbour (Tyree), Dimitri Lydell Willis, Dominique Willis (Emily), Kenneth Jamal Clair (Folayemi), Emmanuelle Willis, Taylore Marie Willis, and Matthew Willis. Great-grandchildren; Dominique Erik Willis, Naomi Willis, McKenna Willis, Kai Barbour, Mekhi and Kyrie Clair. An aunt, Evelyn Green, of Washington, DC, nieces and nephews; Robert Atwood, Marie Foster, Robbin Foster and Jullian Howard Brevard, Jr., and a host of other family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations towards DC Foster & Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center (FAPAC):
https://www.dcfapac.org/donate/