Louise Smith Willey

Born May 4, 1930 in Duncan, NC. Growing up in rural Harnett County, Louise spent her early years working in the fields of her family’s tobacco farm and attending Macedonia Baptist Church. Upon graduation from Lafayette High School, she made her way to the big city of Raleigh working as an accountant for FCX. She met the love of her life, Norman, while riding a city bus. Married in 1956, they would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on September 9, 2018. They welcomed their first child, Cathy Lane, while Louise continued to work at FCX and Norman attended NC State. With the birth of their second child, Rebecca Lee, Louise was promoted to the full-time position of homemaker. Louise will be remembered as a sweet, nurturing woman, loving her family with amazing meals, a beautiful home, flowers in her yard coaxed from unforgiving clay, and surrounding her husband, children, and grandchildren (Haley and Brett) with unconditional love, support and laughter. Although she will be missed, we rejoice in a life well lived and that she walks into heaven free from pain. Left behind to cherish her memory: Norman Hill Willey, husband, of the home. Daughters, Cathy L. Willey, of Raleigh and Rebecca W. (Becky) Marsh (Michael) of Fuquay-Varina. Grandchildren: Haley Rae Marsh O’Hara (Chris) of Boulder, CO., and Brett H. Willey, of Raleigh. Family will receive friends on August 14th, 6-7:30 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. A celebration of her life will be on Wednesday, August 15th, 2:00 PM at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Raleigh. Internment immediately following at Montlawn Memorial Park. Although flowers are welcome, memorial contributions may be made in Louise’s name to the St. Andrews United Methodist Church Building Fund, 1201 Maxwell Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603 or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 3739 National Drive, Ste 110, Raleigh, NC 276112