Christina Willis

Christina Ameli Willis, age 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at her home in Bluewell, WV.  She was born on October 12, 1935 in Welch, WV to Nick and Mary Ameli.  She graduated from Bluefield High School in Bluefield, WV and received an associate degree from Bluefield College in Bluefield, Virginia. On June 27, 1962 she married William L. Willis where they resided in Bluewell, WV raising two children Sandra Lee Willis Arczynski and William Vincent Willis. Christina worked at Bluefield Supply Company for 10 years and then helped run the family clothing store, Ameli’s Department Store for close to 50 years until it closed in 2019. She was also a member of the Bluewell Lions Club and the Sons of Italy.  She attended church at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for the past 70 years with her family.  She spent many years being the caregiver of both her sister and husband.  May God take care of her in Heaven.  She will be deeply missed by her family members and all who knew her kindness.

Christina is survived by her daughter, Sandra Lee Willis Arzcynski and son, William Vincent Willis and daughter-in-law, Ruth Gibson Willis, Son in Law, John Arczynski, grandchildren Shelby, Andrew, Mary Lauren Willis, Victoria and Andrew Arczynski; her brother, Nick Ameli, Jr. and his wife Jeanne Ameli.  She has several nieces and nephews who she was very close to as well.

For Family and friends whose life was touched by Christina Ameli Willis, there is visitation on Friday, March 20, 2020 from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, Coal Heritage Road, Bluewell WV.  Due to circumstances, a Catholic service will be held at a later date.

In-Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Christina Willis to Make-A-Wish Foundation at www.wish.org/donations. Or to Bluewell Voluntary Fire Department, 4161 Coal Heritage Road, Bluewell WV. The family is accepting online condolences at www.cravens-shires.com.

The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV is in charge of arrangements.