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Billy Joe Willett, 88, of Statesville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at
the Gordon Hospice House.
He was born in Lee County, NC to the late Francis and Mavoline Jackson Willett. He was a
graduate of Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, and Southeastern Seminary, Wake Forest, NC. He
was an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ and prior to his retirement faithfully
served churches in North Carolina and Virginia for 42 years.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Margaret Wishon Willett; sons Mike
Willett (Kathy), Mark Willett (Kristie); grandchildren, Lauren Willett Jurcak (Mike), Matthew
Willett, Tyler Willett (Misha), Marshall Willett (Anna); step grandchildren, Jadon Welborn,
Kason Welborn; great grandsons, Finn Jurcak, and Lincoln Jurcak.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Wesley Memorial UM Church in Statesville with
Pastor Dan Money and Rev. Gervase Hitch officiating. The family will visit with friends following
the service in the Fellowship Hall. Graveside rites will be held at Hanks Chapel Christian Church,
Pittsboro, NC.
Memorials may be made to Wesley Memorial UMC, 825 Wesley Dr., Statesville, NC 28677 or to
Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.
Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Willett family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Judy Gardner says
Margaret
You may not remember me but I remember you and BJ when you were at Bethlehem in Suffolk Va
My husband was Wayne Gardner
I am so sorry to hear of your loss
I will keep you and your family in my prayers
God Bless
Walt Seyter says
Mark and Kristie,
I am very sorry for your and your family’s loss. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Kim Sheriff says
Margaret, So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a special man and meant so very much to me. I feel honored to have known him. You and your family are in my prayers.
Kim Sheriff (Tom’s daughter)
Doug Griffith says
Margaret,
I was blessed to have you and Bill at First E&R as I grew up. We love you and are holding you up in prayer for strength and comfort.
Karen Kincaid Dunn says
Dear Margaret, Mike, and Mark:
I have such fond memories of the years you all were at Bethlehem. Reverend Willett built the youth program and brought so much to the youth at our Church.
You remain in my heart, mind, and spirit. I know the service tomorrow will be meaningful as Reverend Willett made a difference in the lives of so many.
Karen Kincaid Dunn
PS Reverend Willett married Kenny Dunn and me on December 31, 1978. Kenny and I will celebrate our 47th Anniversary this December.
Mary Cam and Katie Stallings says
Dear Margaret, Mike, and Mark,
We are so sorry for your loss. Reverend Willett was such an important and fun part of our lives. I still remember the spooky stories he told and the pranks we played at camp. And y’all even found my dog, Ruffles. We have been so fortunate to have Rev. Willett in our lives. Margaret, we wish you and your family the best. Thinking of you, Mary Cam and Katie Stallings
Mike Johnson says
Pastor WILLETT was @ BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN CHURCH which I attended all my life. I now realize the importance of what pastors do. He was very confident and respectful of theology .Heavens gain because HOPE does not disappoint. Mike Johnson
Barbara Green says
Mrs Willet, Mike, and Mark, and family,
I just recently learned about Rev. Willett’s passing from my mom, Joanne Howell. We are so very sorry for your loss and grief. There is comfort to know he is with our Lord in heaven. I will forever cherish his memory and friendship and our youth trips. He made such a difference in our lives as young people at Bethlehem. I probably would not have attended college, let alone Elon, without his weekly encouragement and a well-timed youth trip to see the campus.. I didn’t know it then, but actually saw my husband on the football field on that trip, catching cheerleaders! Rev Willett married us in 1990. We raised two children, and we will celebrate our 36th anniversary this April.
Have thought about you all over the years. Blessings and peace.
Barbara Green (Bobbie-Jo Howell before marriage)