Ruffin, NC - It is with profound sorrow we announce the death of Ms. Willa Marie Abbott, age 78, of 765 Goose Pond Rd. Ruffin, NC. She peacefully transitioned to eternal rest at Penn Nursing Facility in Reidsville, North Carolina on September 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Willa was born on September 14, 1945, in Rockingham County, North Carolina, to the late Reverend Elmer E. Abbott and Betty Adams Abbott.

A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1963. Willa went on to further her education at Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1966; where she earned her Registered Nurse certification. Then she entered Gardner Webb, where Willa earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1989; and she later earn a Master of Science degree, in Nursing Administration from UNCG in 1996. Her passion for nursing and her dedication for caring for others led her to a distinguished career at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where she served as a supervisor in the operating room, which led her to being listed in 1987 on the “Great 100” roll for “Nursing of Excellence” in North Carolina.

Willa was an active member of Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church, where she lived out her faith with a spirit of humility and compassion. She was also a proud member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, a national nurse sorority, and a served periodically as a secretary of the local Winston-Salem Chi Chi. Willa also devoted her time and skills as a volunteer with the Red Cross and other healthcare organizations.

However, during her career sojourn in Winston-Salem she entered Christian fellowship and service at First Baptist Church on Highland Avenue, returning to her home church for her final church and community fellowship, where she served as the secretary in the Nurses Ministry. Known for her kind and caring heart, Willa touched the lives of all who knew her, embodying the spirit of service and spirit of volunteering throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her one brother, Ananias C. Abbott, and one sister, Elizabeth Abbott Russell.

Ms. Willa Marie Abbott leaves to cherish her memory with her two brothers: Frank E. Abbott of Kinston, NC, and  Wayne Abbott (Shelby) of Reidsville, NC; two sisters: Betty Jean Abbott, and Annie G. Abbott; five supportive and energetic nieces: Octavia Williams (Bruce) of Martinsburg, WV, Dr. April Abbott of Kinston, NC, Rita Abbott of Eden, NC, Dr. Faith Abbott of Kinston, NC, and Brittny A. Stearns (Justin) of North Logan, UT; and one supportive and masterful nephew: Frank Alston Abbott I (Deidra), of Severna Park, MD; as well as a host of other loving relatives, and friends.

Scriptures Honoring and Reflecting Willa’s Life:

· Mark 10:45 (ESV): “For even the son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many.”

· Matthew 25:23 (NKJV): “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you rule over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Willa’s life was a testament to love, service, and commitment to others. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy will be forever etched in time.

A viewing for Ms. Willa Marie Abbott will be Sunday, September 15, 2024; from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Fulton-Walton Memorial Chapel 417 Price St. Eden, NC.

Visitation will be Monday, September 16, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church.

Funeral Services for Ms. Willa Marie Abbott will be Monday September 16, 2024 ; 2:00 p.m. at Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church, Pelham, NC.

Interment will follow in the Bluestone Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Pelham, NC.

You are invited to attend services for Ms. Willa Marie Abbott virtually by clicking on the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/fultonwaltonfuneralhome/live

Should Live Streaming not be available due to certain conditions resulting from rural location with little to no Broadband connection, no WIFI signal and or little to no cellular coverage, we will record the services of your loved one in its entirety and post a link where you will be able to partake in the services within 48 hours.

Fulton-Walton Memorial Chapel 417 Price St. Eden, NC