Merle Maureen Willis

Merle Willis, who resided in West Palm Beach, FL passed away on May 8, 2018. She was born in New Rochelle, NY on February 20, 1928 to Violet May Goldson and Alexander Goldson. She spent the first eight years of her life in Jamaica, WI, then moved to New Rochelle, NY. She graduated from Cathedral High School in New York City and then attended St. Johns University in Brooklyn, NY where she majored in science. She subsequently changed her career pursuits to education. Merle married Lloyd Willis in New York in 1956. Merle was an elementary school teacher in Bronx, NY for over 30 years where she taught reading. Toward the end of her teaching career she became the school librarian. She then retired and moved to Deltona, FL where she volunteered at the public library and was very active in her church. Merle was part of a social group that often took day trips touring various parts of Florida and beyond. One of her favorite excursions was a church trip to Israel. In 2003, she moved to West Palm Beach, FL to be closer to her family and especially her new grandson Jonathan. Merle was always a devout Catholic, an avid reader and a beloved mother, family member and friend. Merle's son Laurence passed away in 2015 and she is survived by daughters Susan (Newton) and Pamela and grandson Jonathan. Her wake will be held at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach on Friday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m., her funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 19 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in West Palm Beach at 12 noon followed by her burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach.