Pamela Kay Willis, 73, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, June 27, 2025, following health complications.
She was born in Ironton, Ohio, a daughter of the late James Thomas Willis and Edna Jewel Williams Willis.
Pam loved taking pictures, traveling, reading, and eating ice cream. More than anything, she loved her family. She always made an effort to be there for her children and grandchildren, no matter the occasion—ball games, dinners, family gatherings, or just time together. She will be greatly missed by many.
Survivors include two sons, Thomas (Allison) Bates of Wake Forest, North Carolina, and John Bates of Zebulon, North Carolina; two sisters, Sarah Willis McCann of Kentucky, and Jackie (Ronnie) Edwards of North Carolina; three brothers, Jim (Kathy) Willis and Tim (Shauna) Willis of Kentucky, and Joe (Sherri) Willis of Tennessee; and three grandchildren, Dillon Bates, Kyle Bates, and Riley Bates, all of North Carolina. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Joyce (Willis) Genis; and a special friend, Jim Crain.
Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church, 1807 NC-98, Louisburg, North Carolina. Visitation will be after 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Transitions LifeCare at transitionslifecare.org/donate.
