Narvis Willingham

Narvis Sanford Willingham of Newberry, widow of A. Olin Willingham, Jr., died on Monday, February 27, 2017, in her beloved Newberry.

She was born in Newberry to the late John Lee and Carrie Mae Padgett Sanford. Mrs. Willingham was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a graduate Newberry High School and the Cosmetology School of Rock Hill. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church where she was involved with the Leisure Club and Sunday School. For many years she taught the Weekday Church School at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Mrs. Willingham was a member of the Eastern Star and the Newberry Road Runners. For many years she gave of her time to visit shut-ins and the sick in the community. She was a gracious lady who was always happy and always saw the good in everyone.

Mrs. Willingham is survived by her daughter, Gaye W. Oetgen of Savannah, GA; a sister, Ruth “Sandy” Hansen of West Columbia; a daughter-in-law, Jeannie Willingham of KY; grandchildren, Nita (Andy) Martin, Gina (Chris) Hazel, Sean Willingham, Lisa (Mark) Kleinhenz and Holly (Marcus) Avery; great-grandchildren, Steven Eckert, Hannah Eckert, Olivia DePriest, Adam Willingham and Katelynn Willingham; longtime friend, Kathren H. Mills and extended family, Arlene Cromer, Azalee Gray, Earline Sheppard, and Barbara Herbert. She was predeceased by a son, O. Nick Willingham; her son-in-law, Dick Oetgen; and her siblings, Sula Miller, Vera Harris, Nita Sanford, Grace Clemmer, Leroy Sanford, Victor Sanford, Klugh Sanford, Boyd Sanford, Raymond Sanford and Jerry Sanford.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Faith Lutheran Church by the Rev. Alvin Potter. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:30 – 3:00 pm. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1505 Wilson Road, Newberry, SC 29108.

Active pallbearers will be Steven Eckert, Jackie Harris, Jerry Willingham, Mike Willingham, Leon Bullard and Richard Bullard.

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