On Tuesday, January 26, 2016 , Willie Louise Norris, only child of Williams Sims Gray and Claudia Frances Gray, peacefully passed away at the age of 93. She is survived by daughters Bobbie Miller Wright of Nash, TX, Janice Rose of Oro Valley, AZ, Margaret Johnston of Marion, AR, and Dolores King of Blue Eye, MO,. Willie Louise is survived by sons Herschel Leon Fields of New Braunfels , TX , Warren Obia Norris of Greenville , NC , and Jerry Martin Norris of Centre, AL. Willie Louise is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Named Willie after her father and Louise after a long-time friend of her parents, she was known to some as Willie and to others as Louise but her most favorite name was Grandma. Her grandchildren brought her much happiness and many smiles. She enjoyed their thoughtful cards and letters and she especially enjoyed all the art work they created just for her.

Willie Louise began her life in Texas but moved on in the course of time to live in Arizona , New Mexico , Louisiana and Arkansas . Of all the places she called home, Willie Louise lived the longest in Bismarck , AR , where she made many friends and touched many lives. After the loss of her husband, Winifred Obia Norris, Willie Louise continued with her education at Red River Vo Tech and at the age of 59 graduated with her LPN nursing degree. She worked at Baptist Health Medical Center in Arkadelphia for 18 gratifying and fulfilling years. Willie Louise had many talents and interests including crocheting, sewing, oil painting, gardening, cooking, travel, and reading.

A visitation will held 2:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Welch Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000 , Boone , NC 28607 or at www.samaritanspurse.org.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book and view the video tribute.