Elaine Hope Willis

Elaine Hope (Stanislaw) Willis, age 83, went peacefully to be with the Lord on January 17, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. Born on January 8, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Elaine lived a life marked by faith, service, and generous love for others.

Elaine grew up in the Philadelphia area and attended Philadelphia College of Bible, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education and Music. On May 22, 1965, she married the love of her life, Wesley R. Willis, whom she got to know on college choir tours. This began a lifelong partnership rooted in shared faith and ministry.

A gifted singer and a careful editor, Elaine had a keen eye for words and a heart for helping others communicate well. She faithfully edited books, articles, countless papers—high school, college and doctoral dissertation—and many other pieces of writing, often quietly supporting the work of others behind the scenes. She was equally known for her extraordinary hospitality—no one ever left her presence hungry, whether for food, encouragement, or conversation.

Elaine found great joy in Community Bible Study and in serving through her local church, particularly in music, missions, and ESL programs. Throughout her life, she worked closely alongside her husband in a wide range of Christian education ministries in the United States and overseas. Over the last 20 years, their work focused on supporting English-speaking parents abroad as they sought to provide quality education for their children—an effort that deeply reflected Elaine’s compassion and commitment to families.

Elaine is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Wesley; her three sons, Mark, Kevin, and Nathan; her daughters-in-law, Martha and Katherine; and her six beloved grandchildren, Ethan, Moriah, Isabella, Ben, Clayton, and Samuel. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose life quietly but powerfully pointed others toward Christ.

Her legacy of faith, service, music, learning, and open-hearted hospitality will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

Private interment will be at Currie-Jefferson Memorial Gardens. All are invited to a memorial service, which will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama.