Mary Catherine Willis, a dedicated educator, tireless advocate, and community leader, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service and activism that spanned states and generations.

A Life of Learning and Leadership

A proud native of Winston-Salem, Mary was a graduate of Carver High School and Winston-Salem State University. Her career in education began with a love for her students in Person County, NC, where she taught 5th grade for two and a half years.

In 1969, Mary moved to Charles County, MD, where her professional life flourished into one of advocacy and activism. Over 24 ½ years, she became a fierce champion for children with learning disabilities and an outspoken activist for teacher rights. A trailblazer in her field, she served as the first release-time president of the Education Association of Charles County, representing over 1,800 educators. Mary thrived in the "excitement" of the work—negotiating contracts, averting strikes, and fighting for the dignity and working conditions of her peers. Her leadership extended to the state level, where she served two years on the Board of Directors for the Maryland State Teachers Association.

After decades of service in Maryland, Mary returned to her roots in Winston-Salem in 1993, joining the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System until her retirement in December 1999.

Faith and Community

Mary's retirement was anything but quiet. She poured her energy into her church and community, serving as a Certified Lay Speaker at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, a member of the United Methodist Women, and a dedicated member of the Senior Women's Usher Board.

Her "Rams" pride never wavered; she was an active member of the Brown Chapter of the WSSU Alumni Association and Co-Chair of the S.T.A.R. Committee, where she took great joy in recruiting the next generation of students to her alma mater. She also served as Co-President of her Carver High School class and was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. When she wasn't serving others, Mary found peace in her hobbies: reading, cooking, sewing, and the meticulous craft of making jewelry.

Family and Legacy

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Walter Willis and Catherine Hall Willis; her brothers, Alfonso and Willie Lee Willis; and a special aunt, Westell Willis.

Her memory will be cherished by her devoted son, Walter Willis of the home; her sister, Leticia Johnson of Maryland; a special niece, Teresa Willis; and her beloved goddaughters, Tracy Pittman and Dreama Pittman, and god-granddaughter, Affiron Pittman. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who were touched by her strength and spirit.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 11:30 am Thursday January 15, 2026 at St Andrews United Methodist Church, 1840 Butler Street Winston-Salem, NC 27107. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am-11:30am at the church.