WILMINGTON — Edna Skipper Willetts Boyer, 80, died Saturday, June 27, 2020. She was born Oct. 6, 1939, in Southport, the eldest daughter of the late George Leonard and Edna Gore Skipper.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Aveline Young (Tom) and Karen Kimbro.
She is survived by her two sons, Graham Kevin of the home and George Eric, and his wife, Carrie, of Pennsylvania; and grandchildren, George Eric Willetts II and Grace Elizabeth Willetts; sister, Carla Ramm (Joe); nieces and nephew, Tina (Ken), Catherine and Jason; and great-nephew, Barron.
As a little girl, she grew up on a small farm in Brunswick County, where she had a fun life. She worked in tobacco and the family ESSO Station, where she enjoyed scooping the ice cream and helping the customers at checkout. She loved to help her dad with the horses and mules. She attended Bolivia High School, an honor student from 6th through 12th grades. She graduated
valedictorian of her class.
She married Graham Arliss Willetts, owner of Willetts Ford and Sons, Bolivia; the largest dealer in the smallest town in the USA. She was the key member in the dealership office and enjoyed driving a Thunderbird. They welcomed their first son in 1961 and in 1968 their second son. Arliss died in an automobile accident in 1977.
She was a bookkeeper for Cape Fear Toyota and Britt Motorsports. She then decided to open a Bed and Bath shop at Long Leaf Mall, Wilmington, where she met Bob Boyer. He often told the story of buying the most expensive beach towel he had ever owned, so he could talk with Edna. They were married in 1982. She continued her employment for the next 20 years and retired from the Harley Davidson dealership in Wilmington.
A member of Zion United Methodist Church since 1941, she served the church in so many ways, including being a Sunday school teacher when she was in the eighth grade, which some of her class members are still living. She enjoyed teaching Children’s Church for the older kids and was currently finance chairperson.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 2, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st St., Wilmington. Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 3, at Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery, 6864 Zion Church Road, Leland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edna’s name to Zion United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
