Barbara Anne Willis

FLORENCE Barbara Anne Thomas Willis, 72, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September, 2013, in a local hospital.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 9, 2013, at St. Anne Catholic Parish, 113 South Kemp Street, Florence, SC, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Barbara Anne was a daughter of Barbara Staedtler Thomas and the late Harold R. Thomas, Sr. She was a graduate of The University of South Carolina and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Barbara Anne was a co-owner and operator of Porters Gift Shop for over 23 years before selling it in 2005. She was a member of St. Anne Catholic Parish where she performed many volunteer services and volunteered at McLeod Hospice, as well.

Barbara Anne was a former secondary school teacher and an accomplished designer of needlepoint for which she received international acclaim. Many of her completed works can be found in the homes of friends, family, and former Porters customers. Her concern and generous nature for others led to numerous benevolent endeavors. Always a talented cook, Barbara Anne enjoyed preparing favorite recipes and sharing with friends and acquaintances whenever she found an occasion.

Surviving, in addition to her mother of Olar, SC, is a sister, Anita Thomas (George D, Jr.) Heath of Olar, SC, nieces, and a nephew. Other than the loss of her father, Barbara Anne was predeceased by a brother, Harold Hal Thomas, Jr., and a nephew, Thomas Perry Heath.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Rachel Linquanti and Whitney Garris of McLeod Hospital for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anne Catholic Parish, 113 South Kemp Street, Florence, SC 29506; Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, Women In Philanthropy Fund, P. O. Box 1615, Florence, SC 29503; or Florence Area Humane Society, P. O. Box 4808, Florence, SC 29502.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

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