BIOGRAPHY

Willis was born in Nunhead, London, England, UK, on 18 March 1910. Her earliest memories dated back to the First World War when she asked her mother about the Zeppelin in the sky. Her mother lived until the age of 98, and her father, a gas board employee, passed away at 86.

In 1933, she married Fred Willis after they met at the gas board, where she worked administering wages. The couple had one daughter, Vera Smith. The family resided in Orpington, Kent, for many years.

In 1965, she won £1,000 in the Evening News Gardening Contest for transforming her Chelsfield garden from a “wilderness into a paradise,” beating entrants from 30 boroughs. She and her husband were also fond of dogs, having owned three German Shepherds and several rescue dogs over the years. In 1971, she and her husband relocated to a bungalow in Bexhill-on-Sea. Her husband passed away in 1989. Following his passing, she bought an apartment.

As a centenarian, she enjoyed playing bingo, listening to audio books, and attending social gatherings. On her 110th birthday, she said she didn’t feel any different than she did at 60. At the time, she attributed her longevity to a “strict” upbringing, which resulted in her never drinking or smoking, along with plenty of dog walking and a happy marriage. At the time, her only daughter was 84, and her three grandchildren were all in their 60s. Even at 110, she lived independently with some assistance from her daughter and friends.

Willis passed away in Bexhill-on-Sea, on 20 June 2021, at the age of 111 years, 94 days.

RECOGNITION

On 13 September 2019, following the passing of 109-year-old Mona Furminger of Eastbourne, she became the oldest (known) living person in East Sussex.

Her age was verified by Andrew Holmes and Chris Law, and validated by the ESO on 21 September 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Bexhill supercentenarian marks her 110th birthday” – Bexhill-on-Sea Observer, 27 March 2020

* “Pensioner celebrates 110th birthday in lockdown and says ‘stay cheerful’ ” – The Argus, 31 March 2020

* “Bexhill’s oldest resident May Willis dies, aged 111” – Bexhill-on-Sea Observer, 23 June 2021

GALLERY