Helen Willis

Helen Pauline “Nana” Willis, 77, of Benton, Arkansas passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 9, 2021.  She was born March 22, 1944, in Benton, Arkansas to the late Simon Lee and Linnie Cordelia (Holland) Ragan.

Helen was known as “Nana” to everyone.  She loved people and everyone she knew became like family to her.  Helen was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Sardis.  Helen was a LPTN who treated her patients with tender care.  She was a huge Elvis and Harry Potter fan.  In her spare time, Helen enjoyed reading with murder mysteries being her favorite novels.  She was famous for her “Helen’s Mistake” jelly which was the best tasting jelly her family had ever had.  Helen would give jars of her jelly as Christmas gifts to her family and friends.  They would often save the jars and return them to Helen for refills!  Helen was also a talented seamstress, made beautiful quilts, and decorated delicious cakes for family birthdays and weddings.

Preceding Helen in death are her parents; two great-grandchildren:  Sofia and Zane; and brother, Donny Jo Ragan.

Helen leaves behind to cherish her memory two sons:  Anthony Willis of Benton, Arkansas and Craig Willis and wife Tina of West Virginia; grandchildren:  Brittany Hairston, Nichole Hodge and husband Benjamin, Bobbie Jo Benton, Cassie Jones and husband Jason, Katie Willis and husband Zack, Dalton Willis, and Ty Willis; eleven great-grandchildren; brother, Tommy Ragan and wife Beverly of Malvern, Arkansas; nephew, Matthew Ragan and wife Lisa; Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Sardis church family that she loved dearly; and many family members and friends who love Helen and will miss her always.

Visitation held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Friday, July 16, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton, Arkansas.  Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Rick Porter, will follow at 11:00 AM.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.