Anne Adams Willis

Anne Adams Willis, of Crystal Beach, Texas, was born in Beaumont, Texas on October 28, 1946, and died May 13, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

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 for over 20 years, she developed the most successful real estate business on the Peninsula.  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 and being in ill health, she encouraged others to do the same.  During this difficult time period, she kept in touch with employees and made sure that they were not doing without.  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.  Instead of sitting on the sidelines, 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.

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 her 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.

A gathering of Mrs. Willis’ family and friends will be 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Crystal Beach, 1260 TX-87, Crystal Beach. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Crystal Beach, under the direction of Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. Her interment will follow at Crystal Beach Cemetery.  A reception and celebration of life will be held at Jose’s Restaurant immediately after interment.

The family would like to thank Camille Kincaid for your wonderful care during the last months and to Alana Adams for always being there.

Memorial contributions may be made in Anne’s name to the Crystal Beach Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 2616, Crystal Beach, Texas 77650, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.