Anne Adams Willis was born in Beaumont, Texas on 10/28/1946 and died May 13, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Preceded in death by her husband “Papa Joe” Willis and parents Alvin and Yvonne Adams, she is survived by her son Leo, grandson Devin Willis and wife Alexis of Port Bolivar, grandson David Willis and wife Sonja of Galveston, Texas and granddaughter Victoria Tribble and husband Christopher. She leaves her beloved great grandchildren Kaydence, Gabriella, Shelby, Lakeyn, Joseph James (JJ), Sawyer and Eli.
Additional survivors include brother Alvin Adams and wife Grace of Groves, Texas, brother David and wife Alana of Manor, Texas, brother Frank Adams and wife Sukonta of Cedar Park, Texas, sisters Mary Lou Montgomery of Crystal Beach, Martha and Shirley Adams of Galveston, Texas. Anne had numerous nieces, nephews, friends and the entire community of the Bolivar Peninsula.
Anne was much loved and respected as a 62 year resident of the peninsula. She graduated from High Island High School in 1964. She was a secretary for the original Crystal Beach incorporated city. While she was there, G.I. “Swede” Smith encouraged her to get her real estate license. As an indefatigable advocate of all things Bolivar Peninsula, she was the co-founder of the Texas Crab Festival, now in its 39th year, and helped establish scholarships that thrive today. She was also a co-founder of the Lighthouse Mardi Gras Krewe and will forever be known as “Queen Anne.” As the former owner of Swede’s Real Estate, she served as President of the Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years and still served on the Board until her death. Of all her many accomplishments, it is perhaps her dedication of the rebuilding of the Bolivar Peninsula after the devastation of Hurricane Ike in 2008 that is most remarkable. Not only did she reopen her business despite losing her office, she encouraged others to do the same. Anne was well known at County Commissioner’s meetings and by state and federal officials that she met with endlessly to help restore the Bolivar Peninsula. During this difficult period, she and others founded the Jane Long Society, which represented the strength and endurance of survivors during a difficult time. She is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations including a lifetime achievement award at the BPCOC Annual Awards Banquet.
Her funeral services will be held Tuesday in Crystal Beach. Details will be announced later in the week.
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The end of an era! The Queen is dead! Anne Willis imbued the spirit of Mother of Texas Jane Long. Her resilience, strength and leadership helped us come back and rebuild after IKE. She worked to keep Bolivar Peninsula a magical place for residents and guests. May we continue to keep her gifts alive. Thank you, Queen Anne.