Grace Phillips Willard, age 95 of Forest City died Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Fair Haven Home of Forest City.  She was born March 3, 1930, in Rutherford County and was a daughter of the late Charlie and Carrie Putman Phillips.  She was a faithful 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 was often referred to as “One of a Kind” or “Amazing Grace”.  She was a loving and giving person whose house was always open to everyone. You were always offered something to eat if you came for a visit. Everyone enjoyed her cabbage and cornbread be it at home or church dinners, you knew it would be there.   Grace loved working on the Hawaiian Ice Truck and The Winnie Wagon at the local ballparks.  She will be long remembered for her delicious hot dogs.

Grace loved family and friends and spending time with them was priceless to her.

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, who brought her so much love and joy and as her health declined they could always bring excitement in her heart and a smile on her face.

The family would like to thank the Staff, Nurses, and CNAs at Fair Haven of Forest City for their care and love of Grace for the past three years.

The funeral service will be held at 3 o'clock on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Crestview Baptist Church with the Reverend Kevin Rohm officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church from 2 until 3 o'clock prior to the service.  Interment will be on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11 o'clock at Eternal Hills Memorial Park.  

Memorials may be made to Crestview Baptist Church, Children’s and Youth Department, 630 South Church Street, Forest City, North Carolina 28043

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com