Elizabeth Marie Stricklen-Wills

Elizabeth Marie Stricklen Wills, 75, of Van, WV passed away on January 26, 2017 after a long illness. She was preceded in death and was met in Heaven by her husband of 53 years, Richard L. Wills.

Marie was retired from Eastern Associated Coal Company, Wharton, WV. She was a dedicated wife, mother, sister and grandmother. At the age of 13 she took on the responsibility of raising her five siblings after her mother’s death. She gave a new meaning to sacrificing yourself for others.

She is survived by her sons, Craig R. Wills of Van, WV and Brian R. Wills of Mt. Airy, NC; brothers, Robert Stricklen of Nitro, WV, Roy Stricklen of Florida, R. Clinton Stricklen of Kentucky; sisters, Carolyn Eret of Florida, Janice Wilkinson and Gloria “Jeannie” Johnson both of Georgia. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews that loved her dearly. Many people knew her as “Momma”

Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 30 at Handley Funeral Home, Danville with the Rev. Walter Gore and the Rev. Clinton Stricklen officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Memorial Park, in South Charleston, WV.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.