Mary Ellen Davies Willis

Mary Ellen Davies Willis of Leesburg, Florida, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the age of 80. She was born on Epiphany, January 6, 1945, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Mary Ellen was the third of seven children and was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Webber Willis, Sr., and Mary Eleanor Bankston Willis. Surviving siblings are Gwen Dickson, Frederick (Rick) Willis, Jr. (Lollie), Ned Willis (Becky), Margaret Elizabeth (Raen) Willis, Ruth Willis, and Thom Willis, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary Ellen graduated from Winchester High School, Winchester, Mass., and obtained her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Goddard College. While a resident of Woodstock, Vermont, she received her certification in teaching and administration in the Montessori Method of education from the College of New Rochelle. She taught Montessori in Vermont until moving to Leesburg, Fla. In 1990, she became the head teacher and administrator at the Lady of the Lakes Montessori School. Mary Ellen later accepted a unique position at Villages Elementary School in Lady Lake, where she combined Montessori teaching techniques with the public school curriculum for challenged elementary students, where she was recognized as the “Teacher of the Year.” She served her community as president of the Leesburg Kiwanis Club and as a board member of the Spanish Oaks condo association. She was blessed with friends and associates, especially at Spanish Oaks, who assisted her in her final years.

A lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, Mary Ellen attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fruitland Park, Florida.

Mary Ellen fought leukemia bravely for more than twelve years. In her final year, she received wonderful care at Solaris Waterman Health Care in Tavares, at Advent Health, and then at hospice in Orlando, where she died peacefully with her family at her side. The family is especially grateful to the staff at these institutions.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, and her ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden at Holy Trinity. Instead of flowers, contributions in Mary Ellen’s memory may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 2201 Spring Lake Road, Fruitland Park, Florida 34731.