Willa Marie Morris Kennedy

Willa Morris Kennedy, née Womack, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Circle of Life in Springdale, Arkansas, at the age of 87. Born on October 6, 1937, in Yell County, Arkansas, Willa lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for her family and community. Throughout her life, Willa was known for her gentle spirit and unwavering warmth. She and her husband Ray were well-known in the Gentry community as the operators of the Gentry Food Center for several years. Her commitment to serving others extended into her long tenure as Director of Food Service for the Gentry Public Schools, where she worked tirelessly to ensure students were well cared for. After retiring from the school system, Willa continued to share her talents and entrepreneurial spirit by opening and operating the Tastee Freeze restaurant in Gentry. Her presence in these roles left a lasting impression on countless lives. Willa’s musical gifts were a source of joy to many. A talented pianist and singer, she brought music into every space she entered. Whether playing hymns or singing with friends and family, her music was an expression of her heart—gentle, uplifting, and full of grace. Her faith was central to her life. Willa attended both Gentry First Baptist Church and Victory Baptist Church. Even when dementia made it difficult for her to attend services independently, she remained committed to worship with the help of her dear friend Bill Mitchell, who lovingly ensured she could continue participating in church activities. Above all else, Willa cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her children deeply and found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, music—and above all—love. Those who knew Willa remember her as someone who never spoke a harsh word. Her sweetness touched everyone around her; she had many friends who treasured her companionship over the years. Her legacy is one of kindness, service, faith, and love—a legacy that will live on through all who had the privilege of knowing her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lyman O’Dell Womack and Varina (Hovis) Womack; first husband, Ray Morris; second husband, Ken Kennedy; son, Tim Morris; brothers, Alvis Womack, Joel Womack, David Womack, Danny Womack, and Lyman Womack; and sister, Rosa Williams. She is survived by her children, Jane Parks and husband Mike of Gentry, AR, Susan Morris of Fayetteville, AR, Tony Morris and wife Regina of Gentry, AR, and Clark Morris and wife Jenni of Colcord, OK; brothers, Kit Womack and wife Peggy of Cummings, GA, and Stephen Womack of Kentucky; sister, Joan Johnson of Dover, AR; grandchildren, Matthew Parks, Jon Parks, Jeff Parks, Joseph Morris, Nick Morris, Andria Morris, Dalton Morris, Austin Morris, Malory White, Clark Morris II, and Addison Morris; as well as 19 great-grandchildren. May Willa’s memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing and inspiration to those who carry forward the values she embodied so beautifully. A visitation will be held at Wasson Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Gentry, Church 221 W Main Street, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Gentry Cemetery.

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Willa Marie Morris Kennedy

October 6, 1937 - October 3, 2025