Willie Lewis Dallas

Mrs. Willie Lewis Dallas, 93, of Blytheville, died Monday, June 20, 2011, at The Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Born in Mount Pleasant, Ark., to William Amos and Effie Burrows Lewis, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a retired school teacher. Willie taught many years in the Blytheville school system and was an inspiration to many students. A woman of deep faith, she was an active Sunday school teacher up until a few months ago, when her health began to fail. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association.

Willie had a unique ability to develop deep, long-lasting friendships. This came easily to her because helping others was always foremost in her heart. Willie's deep-seated faith in God made this attribute in her life seem very easy. However, the respect that friends had for her was achieved by seeing this beautiful person constantly giving of herself. Unselfishly, she would on many occasions place her friends' needs above her own.

Willie had a deep love for her family and was completely devoted to her children and her friends. At times, knowing the pain and heartache experienced by her family, she made sure the deep-seated love they had for one another was a priority in her life. The attributes she possessed were part of a special generation who truly knew the meaning of values. Her strength, courage and fortitude were given by God to a person who would use it for him. The example her life has shown will be one for others to achieve in their lives.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Keith Dallas, and her daughter, Catherine "Cathy" Dallas Monroe.

Mrs. Dallas is survived by her son, Robert "Bob" Dallas and his wife Linda of Houston, Texas;

Grandchildren, Mark Allen and Ashley Monroe, Dallas Lee Monroe both of Dallas, Texas, Rebecca Lynn and Jim Clark of Houston, Texas, Amy Beth and A.J. Gambino of Claxton, Ga; and

Great-grandchildren, Hannah Clark, Emma Clark, Ashton Gambino, Cole Gambino, Grace Monroe and Gabe Monroe.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Elmwood Cemetery, with Dr. Don Hall officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Cobb Funeral Home. The family requests any memorials go to the First United Methodist Church or the charity of choice.

Condolences may be emailed to cobbfuneralhome@sbcglobal.net.