Bonita Ann Willis' Obituary
Our loss is heaven’s gain. It is with grateful hearts that we remember the life of Bonita Ann Willis.
Bonita Ann Willis, beloved mother, and grandmother, passed away on February 8th, 2024, in Tulsa,
Oklahoma at the tender age of 77. She was born on February 20, 1946, in Wheeler, Texas to her
loving parents Harrell Dane and Ruby Nell (Reynolds) Welch.
Bonita is preceded in death by her father Harrell Dane Welch, her step-father Robert L. Carroll, and
3 brothers Harrell, Dennis, and Larry, her ex-husband Jerry Barclay Keith and her son Jamie Leroy
Keith. She is survived by her mother Ruby Nell Carroll, her ex-husband Derryl James Willis,
daughter Stefanie & her husband Richard King, 3 grandchildren, Timothy King, Samantha King, and
Jesse Keith & wife Sierra, and 3 great grandchildren, Jericho, Jensen and Jasper Keith, stepdaughters Lynn Willis and Jane Willis, as well as many family members (aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, cousins) and friends who played a very important role in her life.
Bonita’s professional journey was marked by her ability and commitment to wear many hats as she
juggled raising a family and owned/operated a construction company with ex-husband Derryl Willis.
She also owned a 3-unit apartment building, owned several rental homes and later worked for BP
Amoco Oil Company in the Global Treasury Service department.
Bonita loved her Bible Study time. We all knew not to call her before 10 am because she would be
sitting on her front porch, in her rocking chair with a cup of joe absorbing her lessons for the day.
(She especially enjoyed discussing the bible with Jesse). Other fun facts, she did taxidermy, loved
to sing, canned vegetables, jellies, knitted, sewed, played the piano, played games with residents at
The Parke and loved hanging out with the “girls” Ruby, three aunts – Novella, Loeva, Marcella, niece
Twila and their adopted sister Dianne. They enjoyed getting together to play games and eat (they
especially loved eating!)
Bonita had a beautiful soul. She was a very special, compassionate, kind, loving mother, daughter,
grandmother and friend. She was a devout Christian. She loved her family and God above all things.
There are no goodbyes for us. We will always carry her memory in our hearts.
What’s your fondest memory of Bonita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bonita?
Share a story where Bonita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bonita you’ll never forget.
How did Bonita make you smile?
