Willa was born January 5, 1927 at Wichita Falls, Texas, to Harvey and Minnie Eve (Hubert) Smith and passed away November 2, 2023, at her home at the age of 96 in Lamar with her family by her side.

Willa taught at the Plainview School in Sheridan Lake for 33 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Johnnie Appel; brother, Dale Smith; and sister- and brother-in-law, Louise and John Phillips.

Willa is survived by her husband, Eugene Southard of the family home in Lamar; children, Joyce Appel of Bertram, Texas, and Warren Silliman of Leander, Texas; step-children, James Southard, Doug (Sheila) Southard, Naomi (Rick) Ledesma of Lamar, and Tammy Southard of Cripple Creek; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sister-in-law; Ilene Smith of Grand Junction and Patsy Schwartz of Lamar; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and a host of friends, including her dear friends Tami and Lee Gonzales of Lamar.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request for donations to go to the Lamar Area Hospice, either direct or in care of the funeral home office.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peacock Funeral Home.