Lawrie Kay Willis

Lawrie Kay Willis, 52, of Tellico Plains, went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2023.

She was born on September 8, 1970, in Connersville, Indiana, to the late Lawrence and Jeannette Chaney Kuhn.

In addition to her parents, Lawrie was preceded in death by her baby that was born sleeping, Baby Willis.

Lawrie graduated in 1988 from Connersville High School. She went on to Black Hawk College East in Illinois to obtain her Veterinary Technician degree. She worked as a vet tech for many years. 

Lawrie will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 30 years, Phillip Willis.  Lawrie and Phillip had a special love. Married after only 3 months on September 26, 1992. They showed them all they had a love that would withstand the test of time. 

Lawrie was a dear friend to many. She loved the Lord with all her heart. Through great sickness throughout her life, she relied on her deep Christian faith to continue to embrace peace and positivity. She embodied humility, compassion, kindness, and love to all she met.

She was an animal lover of all kinds. We want to honor her as an instrumental contributor to the development of the rare toy Mi-Ki dog breed. She dedicated 16 years to the Mi-Ki breed and its development. Lawrie was the founder and former president of The Continental Mi-Ki Association, CMA. Lawrie was one of the breeds beloved foundation breeders.

Left to cherish the many memories include her loving husband Phillip D. Willis; Her beloved children, Levi Willis and Haven Ralston; sister, Lea Kuhn (Dave) Fledderman; niece, Ashlea Kuhn; nephews, Daven Fledderman and Daniel Fledderman; Great nephew Joseph Schmitt; sisters in heart, Marie (Robert) Berry; Raeann (Kenneth) Ralston, their nine children whom she loved as her own and three great nieces in heart and one nephew in heart that is due February 2023.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, January 6, 2023, at Higgins Funeral Home, with Pastor David Joines officiating.  Interment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens with her family serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.