Elizabeth Smith Willis, 89, of Shelby, NC passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at her residence.

She was born on August 1, 1931 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Levi E. Smith and the late Fleeta Camp Smith.

At a young age, Elizabeth joined Shoal Creek Baptist Church where she was a musician for many of the church choirs; she was a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and Summer Youth Ministry for the children of the church. She was on many church committees and a true servant of God through her years of service at Shoal Creek Baptist Church.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Camp High School, and she furthered her education and graduated from Fayetteville State University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also obtained her Masters of Science in 1983 from Western Carolina University. She was employed by Cleveland County Schools for 37 years where she taught at Philadelphia School, Lattimore Elementary, and finally retiring from Union Elementary.

Elizabeth was the epitome of a strong black woman, and she ensured her family was taken care of until her final days. She loved arts and crafts, teaching children to play the piano, traveling and spending time with her family. She was also a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority where she did avid community service in the Cleveland County with her sorority sisters. She was also a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the Ebenezer Association in Cleveland County where she was recognized for her loyal and dedicated services.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother William Edward Smith, her Goddaughter Wysheena M. Hurt, and a host of in-laws whom she loved and cared deeply for.

Left to cherish her lifetime of memories that took our breath away are her daughter Adrienne L. Dawkins of Shelby, NC and a granddaughter she reared as her own S. Michele Willis of Gastonia, NC; her beloved grandson Anthony Neal of the home, and her granddaughter of her heart of arts and crafts Alyea Neal. She was also blessed to leave an impression on her great-granddaughter Dynam Neal. She also is survived by her siblings Versia Gilmore, Frances Seary, Ruby Moses (Carey), Willie Mae Miller, Joseph Smith (Philann), Levi B. Smith, John Smith (Merlene), Waymon "Gene" Smith, Gwen Campbell (Marsh) and Alberta Short,; her Godsons' Derrick Hopper and Keith Dawkins and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Ms. Willis will be private. The service will be livestreamed starting at 1:45 PM on Sunday, May 16, 2021. She can be viewed from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel. The family will be receiving friends from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM at Shoal Creek Baptist Church on Sunday and other times at 702 Mt. Sinai Church Road, Shelby. Burial will take place at Shoal Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.