Mildred Chestnutt Willis

Mildred Chestnutt Willis, 94, a resident of Cleveland, Tennessee passed away at her home on Tuesday evening, December 15, 2015. She was the daughter of the late Willie David Chestnutt and Dixie Long Chestnutt. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Kenyan Carl Willis, her brother, Samuel L. Chestnut, and a sister, Hortense Chestnutt Simerly.
She had resided resided in Albany, Georgia for most of her life before moving to Cleveland to be with her sister Hortense and niece Melissa and her family.
Mildred’s spunk and spirit will not soon be forgotten. She went through many trials with her health over the last years, but with her strong will and determination, wonderful home health team, doctors, and family, she was able to press on and live her life for many years in spite of those obstacles. God’s hands were on her.
Mildred’s wit and humor always kept everyone laughing and sometimes scratching their heads. As a young girl, she always wanted to go to Hollywood to be an actress. Mildred said her grandfather was willing to take out a loan to send her, but acting selflessly, she wouldn’t let him. She always told the story and followed it with, “I would’ve made it too.” Her family always agreed.
Mildred loved animals, especially dogs and cats. Beautiful flowers and clothes were also some of her favorite things.
She is survived by her niece and caregiver, Melissa Wilson and husband David Blair Wilson of Cleveland. A niece Anna Glenn (Shea) of Ocklocknee, GA, nephews Tom Simerly (Kitsie) of Forney, TX, Tim Simerly (Lisa) of Sasser, GA; great nephews, Lee Simerly (Tracie) of Forney, TX, Cameron Wilson, of Cleveland, TN; great great-nephews, Kenlyn Glenn, Sylar Glenn; great great-nieces Aubrey Glenn, Allie Simerly and Avery Simerly and a very special friend, Cathy Sneed.
The family wants to express many thanks to the nurses and aides with Caris Hospice for being there for her and her family. A graveside service will be held on Friday December 18, 2015 at 1:00PM in the Crown Hill Cemetery in Albany, Georgia, with Clay Sneed officiating the service.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Mildred or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral and Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Willis/Wilson family with these arrangements.