Willis Deshields-Ballard

Willis Deshields-Ballard “Pookie/Spookies” HER JOURNEY OF LIFE Willis Deshields-Ballard, better known as “Pookie and Spookie,” went on to grace on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. "Spookie" lived eighty-seven (87) years, giving with her whole heart. Born on December 19, 1937, she was the beloved daughter of the late Dorthy Handy Deshields and Raymond Deshields. Shortly after receiving her High School Diploma from Somerset County Public Schools, she started her career within culinary industry, as she always had a passion for food and cooking, which is how she exemplified her love for you. She showed this love while working for Johnny’s and Sammy’s, and Salisbury State and her own Kitchen. In "Spookies" spare time she enjoyed her "shows" Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, Amazing Race and Survivor. Please don't call during that time. "Spookie" loved cooking southern meals such as muskrat, chitlin’s, fried chicken and chicken and dumplings. Everyone loved her "French Toast." Please don't forget a cold Pepsi. During her time spent with her children and family, she loved her Burger King, McDonalds, Walmart, and a two-piece pajama set. Cooking was "Spookie’s passion" and she left those memories to cherish with: five children, Annette Lawrence (Phillip) of Salisbury, Maryland, John Ballard (Joyce) of Seaford, Delaware, Lester Ballard of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sharon Ballard of Towson, Maryland and Clarence Ballard of Salisbury, Maryland; five sisters, Madeline Rodriguez, Emma Brown, Brenda King, Marian Deshields and Lorraine Deshields; her grandchildren, Sherron Lawrence, James Weathersby (Veronica), Tina Lawrence, April Weathersby, Phillip Lawrence, Jr., Ka'Myra Lawrence and John W. Ballard III; her great grandchildren, Kaleel Neal, Trenell Boyd, Shaliey Weathersby, Braieyln Lawrence, Eriayne Lawrence, Camila Weathersby and Alana Weathersby; concluding with great-great grandchildren, Legend and Legaci Boyd, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. "Spookie" was preceded in death by her (Mother) Dorthy Handy-Deshields and (Father) Raymond Deshields, her companion of forty (40) years, Clarence A. Ballard and her siblings, Raymond Deshields, Sr., Isaac Deshields, Lillian Deshields, Christine Deshields and George Deshields. Goodbye may seem forever, farewell is like the end, but in m heart’s a memory and there you’ll always be.... ~The Fox and The Hound~ Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family

Willis Deshields-Ballard

December 19, 1937 - July 22, 2025