Zella Marie Willis 69 was born on February 18, 1957, in Jellico, TN. Zella was a devoted mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren. She was a beacon of love and warmth who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Zella is survived by her sons, Roger Dean Johns and wife Crystal of Williamsburg, KY. and Billy Lee Johns and wife Alisha of Williamsburg, KY; grandchildren, Whitney Roberts, Courtney Johns, Kelly Hurst, Makayla Johns, Billy Johns II; and great-grandchildren, James Roberts III, Jaylynn Roberts, Oaklynn Siler, Theo Hurst, and Noah Hurst.

She leaves behind sisters Bertha Bray of Little Rock AR, Debbie Manning of Little Rock AR, and Geneva Reynolds of Williamsburg, KY, and brother David Willis of Corbin, KY. Special friends Lena Hale of Williamsburg, KY. and Debbie Daivs of Williamsburg, KY.

Zella also had many nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends who will mourn her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Willis and Judy Willis; brothers James Willis and Junior Willis; and sisters Deloris King, Ellen Johns, Rosie Bennett, Mossie Overton, Lola Saylor, Dorothy Carroll, and Gracie Hale. Zella was also preceded in death by grandchildren Francheska Johns and Little Roger Johns.

Visitation will be held at Croley Funeral Home, 103 South 2nd Street, Williamsburg, Kentucky, 40769, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, beginning at 12:00pm. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 2:00pm with Rev. Billy Carpenter officiating. Burial service will be at Moses Addition of Pleasant View Cemetery, Stringtown Road, Williamsburg, Kentucky, 40769, at 2:30pm.