Deborah Ann King Willis, formerly of Chesterton, a long-time advocate of and activist in breast cancer support groups, died of complications of the disease December 22, 2003.

She was one of the founders and promoters of Y-Me of Central Indiana, a breast cancer support group that is affiliated with Y-Me, a national organization. She was also a volunteer with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Komen Indianapolis Race For The Cure.

Debbie Willis was born on February 19, 1933, in Peru, Indiana. She served in many volunteer capacities over the years, including board member of the Community Service Council of the United Way of Central Indiana; vice-president of the United Way of Indiana; board member of the United Way of Porter County; president of the Drifting Dunes Girl Scout Council, serving East Lake and Porter Counties; and president of the Indiana Lawyers’ Auxiliary.

She graduated from Indiana University (A.B. 1955), where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. She taught in the Washington Township school system in Indianapolis and as a substitute in the Duneland Schools in Chesterton.

She took great delight in her garden, particularly her daffodils and spring forest wildflowers, and in experimenting with cooking from around the world.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, David A. Willis of Indianapolis; three daughters, Anne Willis Reed (Thomas), and d’André Willis (Jamie Whalen) of Milwaukee, and Alexandra Willis of Baltimore; a granddaughter, Deborah Katherine Reed, who is called Kate; and her brothers, John E. King (Polly) of Cape Coral, Florida, and Jerry A. King (Ellen), of Las Vegas. Her parents, Jess E. King and Lenora Morris King of Peru, Ind., preceded her in death.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Deborah A. Willis Fund of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, 615 North Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1498.

A “Celebration of Debbie’s Life” will be held at noon on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at Oak Hill Mansion, 5801 East 116th Street, Carmel, Indiana.

Posted 12/30/2003