Lavalta Willis

Penny Allen Willis, 74, of Waco passed away March 28, 2015 with her family by her side. Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at OakCrest Funeral Home with Mr. Bert Mercer of Brookview Church of Christ officiating.

Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard.

Penny was born February 8, 1941 in El Paso, and moved to Waco with her loving parents, Roy and Dorothy (Garzar) Allen. She graduated from Midway High School in 1959 and worked for several companies in the Waco area including American Amicable Life, before starting her 35 year career as the payroll supervisor for Texas Farm Bureau. The loves of her life were her two children.

Her life was filled with family and many, many close friends. “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.” -Richard Bach

Penny is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Dorothy; and her sister, Joy.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Willis Samford who lives in Hutto, Texas with her fiancé, John Rowen; son, Steven Willis who lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his partner, Kelly Knape; her beloved puppy child, LB; and countless family members and friends who are all a part of our extended family.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Hillcrest Hospital, Hospice and Rehabilitation for their support, love and comfort in their mother’s final days.