Joanne Willis

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Joanne Grace Willis, 83, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Joanne was born on September 2, 1942, in Takoma Park, Maryland, to Albert Basferd and Helena Dispenza. She spent her childhood in Washington, D.C., before moving to Missouri in 1966, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and friendship. 

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Joanne found her greatest joy in the people she loved. After spending many years as a dedicated stay-at-home mother, she worked at Ozarkland Gift Shop and Precious Moments, forming lasting friendships and touching the lives of countless customers and coworkers with her kind spirit and warm smile. 

Joanne had a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, reading a good book, and traveling with her beloved husband, Wayne. Together they created treasured memories while traveling in their motor home to favorite destinations in Florida and Texas. 

Joanne was a woman of faith and attended Christ's Community Church. Her strength, grace, and unwavering love for her family served as an example to those around her throughout her life. 

On March 1, 1986, Joanne married R. Wayne Willis, in Carthage, Missouri. They shared a loving marriage until Wayne's passing on December 5, 2016. 

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Lorie Downing and husband Brett; Wayne's children, Larry Willis and wife Annette, Lisa Thompson and husband Teryel, Jerry Willis and wife Michelle, and Doug Willis and wife Karen; twelve grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents, Albert and Helena; her son, Gregg Vinson, who passed away on July 21, 2026; and her brother, William Basferd, who passed away on March 18, 2008. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Joplin Gardens. Please know you made a difference to Joanne and her family. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home. 

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear."