Obituary of Robert Coston Willis

Robert Coston Willis, lovingly referred to as: "Bob", "Daddy", "Dad", "Pop-pop" and most especially "Papa Geez", departed this earth on June 1, 2013 at 90 years of age, in the comforting presence of his family. Born on May 31, 1923 to John Willis and Mable Coston Willis, Bob was one of seven brothers- Charles, Colin, Ernest, John, Paul and Phillip Morris. While serving in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946, Bob fought in World War II where he received the World War II Victory medal before being honorably discharged. Bob's participation as a part of the forces that landed on the beaches of Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944 was an experience he never forgot. After leaving the Army, Bob attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD where he met his future wife, Bettye Jean Fisher. The two married on November 16, 1947. Five children followed. Bob and Bettye celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on November 16, 2012. Although his work as a budget analyst took Bob and his family from the Frankfort Arsenal in Philadelphia, PA to the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois in 1978, to Netcong, NJ and finally to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., from which he retired in 1988, Bob always made time for his family, hobbies and interests. He loved singing, particularly in church choirs. Bob's all-time favorite Choral production was Handel's Messiah. He enjoyed airplanes, watching the Penn relays, sports and road trips with his children. He also enjoyed traveling, both in this country and internationally, with his beloved wife Bettye. Bob and Bettye moved back to his childhood home in Riverton, NJ approximately ten years ago and lived there until he became ill for home care. Bob passed away on June 1st, while at the Lutheran Home in Morristown, NJ, the day after is 90th birthday. Even at the end, Bob enjoyed life, singing "Happy Birthday" with his family members as they sang to him. Bob was, first and foremost, a family man, breadwinner, a Boy Scout leader and a wonderful husband and father. Bob attended Church his entire life. He was a member go the Mt. Zion AME Church in Riverton, the Greater St. Matthews and the Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. Bob is survived by: his beloved wife, Bettye Jean Fisher Willis; Son: Robert Holmes Willis and fiancee' Natalie; grandchidren: Asha and husband Cesar, Robert Elliot and wife Freemonia, Lisa, Crystal, Charles and Calif: great-grandchildren: Jaedon, Jordan,Tory, Anthony, Tiara, TaNiyah and Christopher; and former spouse Jacqueline Sprague: Daughter: Marguerite Willis Stanford; grandchildren: Raomel and fiancee' Tawana, Yamaya and fiancee' Ronald; Great grandchildren: Raomel, Jr., Asa, Joseph, Jr. and Troi; great-great grandchild: Reagan. Daughter: Michelle Willis Stone and husband Allen; grandchildren: Karl and wife Jessica, Eric, Alayna and husband Alva, Jr.; great grandchildren Jalen, Jordan, Lahmel, Jaynei, Erin, and Alora. Daughter: Monique Willis Banks and husband William II; grandchildren: Jamal William III and wife Jacquelin and Andre; great grandchildren: Josiah, Jazzlyn-Monique, Zora and Ava. Son: Rodney Fisher Willis and Wife Diane; grandchildren: Ryan and Nikelle; great grandchild: Logan. Sister-in-law: Dorothy Mims: Nieces and nephews: Trudy and Husband Kenneth, Squire, III and Melissa: and their children and grandchildren: The Family of John (Jack) Willis: Anna and Irma; nieces and nephew: Eleanor, Roberta, Louise and her husband, Jackie and Michael; and their children and grandchildren and a host of close friends. Let us say farewell to Bob... a great person! He was a good son, husband, father and friend to all of us. Bob will be dearly missed, but everyone of us knows that he will forever be present in our hearts and in our memories. Let us not be sad, for Bob lived his life to the fullest. Let us celebrate, for he was able to make a difference in many people's lives. We can be sure that Bob is happy now with our heavenly Father and that he will be guiding us for the rest of our lives. Bob will always be remembered and will forever remain in our hearts.