Wednesday, October 29, 2025 9:35 am

Grace Phillips Willard, age 95 of Forest City died Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

She was born March 3, 1930, in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Charlie and Carrie Putman Phillips. She was a member of Crestview Baptist Church where she formerly worked in the Children's Department.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Marie Harrill, Mary Lou Jackson, and Christine Ingle.

Grace retired from Doncaster-Tanner Companies and was also known by many as a sales representative for Avon, Tupperware, Sarah Coventry Jewelry, Stanley Home Products and Home Interiors.

Grace loved working on the Hawaiian Ice Truck and The Winnie Wagon at the local ballparks.

Survivors include her sons, Terry Willard and wife Karen, Kim Willard and wife Wannell Willard all of Forest City, her grandchildren, Todd Willard, Tonya Kimbrell, Myrick Willard, Blake Willard, and Mackenzie Ruppe, her great-grandchildren, Kristen Geisler, Lainey Kimbrell, Lydia, Rachel, Joseph, Daniel, Priscilla, and Gloria Ruppe.

The funeral was held October 26 at Crestview Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Rohm officiating.

Memorials may be made to Crestview Baptist Church, Children's and Youth Department, 630 S. Church St., Forest City, NC 28043.

An online guest registry is available at http://www.padgettking.com

Padgett~King Mortuary and Crematory is serving the family.