Obituary: Rose Bullard Willis

Rose Bullard Willis of Thomasville passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, July 30, 2023. She was born on July 4, 1930, in Lumberton, North Carolina to Elton and Letha (Bedsole) Bullard. Growing up in Fayetteville, Rose graduated high school after 11th grade and attended Mars Hill College where she obtained an associates degree. She went on to Wake Forest University earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and receiving her teaching certification. 

Her family, her church family, and service to others were of paramount importance to Rose. She married M. Burns Willis on June 10, 1952, and they moved to New York City where she worked at Columbia University while he attended Union Theological Seminary. Her children and grandchildren remember her wonderful cooking skills and how her special meals were a highlight of every family gathering. The family could count on “THE CAKE” every Christmas! 

As a United Methodist for seventy years and a minister’s wife, Rose shared her faith and served numerous churches throughout the South Georgia Conference in many meaningful ways including singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, serving in the United Methodist Women’s various ministries, and organizing and providing meals with the Bereavement Ministry. In 2007, she received the Quiet Disciple Award from her beloved United Methodist Women’s organization. 

In the community Rose enjoyed being a volunteer for over ten years with the Archbold Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers. She was often seen assisting patient families at the front desk of the hospital. 

Rose’s passion was life-long learning and teaching. She loved literature and reading. Her family and friends could always anticipate receiving an enriching and inspiring book as gifts. She received a Master’s degree from Georgia College in 1979 in English Education. She taught high school English and Literature in Washington, Laurens, and Peach Counties. 

Rose and Burns returned to Thomasville where Burns completed his ministry of forty years as a United Methodist pastor. They have lived in Thomasville and made it their retirement home for thirty-five years. 

Rose is survived by her husband, Rev. M. Burns Willis; her brother, Herbert Bullard (Judy) of Durham, NC; daughters, Lisa Willis Salveter (Dan) of Thomasville, Jennifer Willis Payne (Weldon) of Dublin, GA, and Marsha Willis Phipps (Richard) of Manor, PA; seven grandchildren, Natalie Salveter, Chris Salveter, Caroline Payne, Joseph Payne, McKenna Phipps Bonato (Jared), Abby Phipps and Matthew Phipps.