Willis, Susan Eliza (nee Hall) (1854-1912)

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Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by J. Jones

Mrs. S. Eliza Willis, of Sherfield, Basingstoke, who passed away December 28th, had been a member of Sherfield Society for over forty years. Her parents were among the earliest members of our church in the neighbourhood. As the wife of Mr. Thomas Willis she bravely stood by him in his work as a local preacher, and had the joy of seeing her five children members of the society. 

For many years their house has been the home for the preachers, and by them she will be greatly missed. Thoroughly devoted and loyalty the Church, she willingly assisted in every possible way to promote its welfare. Six years ago she underwent an operation which was only partially successful, and another last May, but the disease had gone too far. For five months her sufferings were intense, but borne with Christian courage.

Her trust in Christ was firm and cheerful. Her patience and care for others endured to the end. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. J. Jones. The sympathy of the Circuit is extended to Mr. Willis and family in their bereavement.

Family

Eliza was born in 1854 at Hartley Wespall, Hampshire, to parents James Hall, who worked the land. and Susan Green. She was baptised on 12 March 1854 at Hartley Wespall.

She married Thomas Willis (1851-1931), a miller (1911), circa 1877. Census returns identify seven of eight children.

• Margaret Eliza (1878-1913) – a parlourmaid (1911); married George Purdey, a metal turner (1911), in 1912
• Charles Thomas (1881-1972) – a house painter (1911)
• Emily Ann (1883-1957) – married Charles Jasper Kersley, a house painter (1911), in 1906
• Clara Grace (1886-1941) – married Sydney Gravatt, a store man (1921), in 1915; a doctor’s secretary (1939)
• Frederick George (1888-1900)
• Bessie Dora (1891-1901)
• Alice Mabel (1897-1975) – employment clerk at Ministry of Labour (1921); married Albert W.J. Hall, a motor body builder (1939), in 1926

Eliza died on 28 December 1912 at Sherfield, Hampshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/244

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers