Willa Glyn Popnoe

Silver Valley

Willa Glyn Popnoe passed from this life to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 16, 2009. A service celebrating her life and praising God for her will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 18, 2009, at Lawn Baptist Church with the Rev. Price Mathieson and Brother Troy Barrington officiating. Burial will be in Silver Valley Cemetery, directed by Fry-Bartlett in Tuscola. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. preceding the funeral service.

Willa was born June 11, 1930 in Tuscola to Chester and Wilma McMillen Adams. Family and friends knew her as 'Bitty'. She was married to her beloved husband, Gerald "Jake" for 59 years. She had lived in Silver Valley since 1952. Bitty was a wonderful, loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She was the heart of her family and gave constant support and encouragement whenever needed. Most importantly she had a beautiful spirit and heart of gold. A hard working woman, most of her life involved manual labor, ranging from watch making, gathering broom weeds and mistletoe, having a chicken farm, a pig farm and co-owner of a decorative wood business for over 25 years. Her cooking was a true gift to many and her specialty was fried chicken and potato salad. Though she had too many recipes to mention, most notable was her turkey and dressing during the holidays. Her favorite pastime was fishing for crappie with her husband. She was a member of Primitive Baptist Church in Lawn.

Bitty was diagnosed with cancer in April 2006 and while she endured much pain and suffering she battled this horrible disease with dignity and courage with the assistance of her Lord and Savior.

Preceeding her in death were her parents; and two sisters, Fern Bever and Janie Beth Thompson.

Survivors include her husband, Jake; one son, Matt Popnoe of Brady; one daughter, Patti and husband Jon of Azle; two brothers, Ralph Adams and wife Jane of Abilene and Jerry Adams and wife Donna of Tuscola; two sisters Patty Rosson and husband Ken of Novice and Mary Phipps of Austin; three special people she referred to as her grandchildren, Sam Striegler, Jessie Smith and Lindsey Davidson; and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to those who were instrumental in her care, Dr. Victor Hirsch, Maria Ortiz, Dr. Robert Striegler and Sue Striegler.