Mary Ann Jackson (Willis)

Mary Ann Willis-Jackson, known to her family and friends affectionately as “Ann”, was called home on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, after a sudden illness caused her to go to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. She was surrounded by her loving son, “Shon” and daughter-in-law, “Christina”. Ann was born Friday, September 11, 1953, to Fred Purnell and Anna Willis-Maddox, in Suffolk, Virginia. Ann grew up in Bridgeville, Delaware, in a small community called Toddsville. Her memorable childhood experiences from Toddsville were revived when she attended the first Toddsville Reunion in 2019. As family and friends gathered around, her eyes lit up in delight, her head nodded in recognition of them and her magnetic smile revealed the excitement she felt. Ann often recanted her joy about the reunion, days and months later. This is a fond memory of Ann that we will always cherish in our hearts. Ann attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School and was a graduate of Woodbridge High School, Class of 1972. After graduation, Ann worked as an Environmental Services Technician, at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, and later in 1978, became a Machine Operator at the DuPont Nylon Capital Plant in Seaford, Delaware, until 1990, when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Forced to retire, Ann battled this illness for 30 years, never complaining, or wavering in her faith, trust or belief in God. Even during her illness Ann was a strong witness for the Lord. Ann was preceded in death by father, Fred Purnell and mother, Anna Willis-Maddox. Mary Ann leaves loving memories to be cherished by her son, Damoyne "Shon" Willis and daughter-in-law, "Christina" of Owings Mills, MD; one sister, Lavern Griffin of Seaford, DE; five grandchildren, Damoyne Willis of Seaford, DE, A'Keyra Harmon and Malique Willis, both of Ellendale, DE, Carmallo Santana of New York, NY and Dominic Murray of Owings Mills, MD; one great-grandson, Legend Lewis of Ellendale, DE; aunt, Mary Jane Purnell of Berlin, MD; two nephews, Damien & Courtney Griffin, both of Seaford, DE; brother-in-law, Kennard Griffin of Seaford, DE; goddaughter, Kendra Renee Anderson-Massey; godson, Jordan-Maddox of Baltimore, MD; god-sister, Whitney Pruitt; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mary Ann Jackson (Willis)

September 11, 1953 - September 9, 2020