Local educator dies at the age of 50.

A long-time Covington County educator died abruptly last week, just ahead of the start of the new school year.

Vivian Edwards Willis, 50 passed away on Friday, August 4, following complications following a procedure she endured a few months ago.

Her name is known to a lot pupils as “Mrs. V,” Willis worked several times as a paraprofessional within the Covington County School System before becoming a part of the Andalusia City School System in 2019, where she was an educator in special education and was scheduled as a basketball coach for girls in the coming season.

“Our Bulldog family was heartbroken to learn of the passing of our teacher Mrs. Vivian Willis. Faculty, staff as well as students and parents will be devastated by her loss and send our prayers and love towards her friends and families. Though we are devastated by the loss of our loved one We gain strength from the way she lived her life and the bond she showed to all they met. We thank God to Vivian Willis, the unique incredible, remarkable unstoppable lady. V., whose beauty both in and outside, will remain in our hearts for all time,” was the message in the AHS facebook post.

Willis was an Opp resident. Opp and was a 1990 graduate from Opp High School.

Alongside her work in the local school system, Willis was also an instructor to Covington County youth sports.

“She was without no doubt, the most cheerful and cheerful, Godly person I have ever encountered. You couldn’t experience a bad day with her. She was a beacon of love and joy everywhere she was and always thought of other people. Even in the darkest hours she was a bright and shining beacon for all. She inspired me to become a better person, and the world has become a little more bleak without her,” Red Level School Principal Tony Ingram said.

The funeral services of Willis will take place on August 12, at 1 p.m in the Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church, located at 103 Church St. in Opp. Repass will take place immediately following the.

Visitation will take place Friday August 11, 5-7 p.m. At the Coleman Funeral Home, located at 2011 Hickman Ave. in Elba.

The article Local educator dies at 50 was originally published in The Andalusia Star-News.