Willie Gean Ard Whistler,77, a cherished soul who brightened the lives of many, was born on March 1, 1947, in Silsbee, Texas. She departed this world on Friday, October 11, 2024, in Webster, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and unwavering support for those she loved.
Willie's journey through life was marked by her deep-rooted beliefs and her dedication to helping others. Raised in the beautiful East Texas countryside, she embraced the spirit of community, bringing warmth and kindness to everyone she encountered. A retired florist, Willie had an innate talent for arranging flowers, a passion that reflected her appreciation for beauty and her desire to spread joy.
For 32 years, she called Clute, Texas home before making her way to Corsicana in 1998, and ultimately settling in Lake Jackson in 2021 to be near her kids. Throughout these transitions, one constant remained—her unwavering faith and commitment to her calling. Willie's mantra, “Faith is believing That He IS, That He Will, That He Does, and That He DID,” guided her through the highs and lows of life. She dedicated herself to ministering and uplifting others through heartfelt prayer, genuine friendship, and compassionate visitation. Her belief in the power and presence of faith resonated profoundly within her, as encapsulated in her cherished adage: “Worry ends when Faith begins.” Willie lived her life with conviction, embodying the truth that faith sustains and nurtures the spirit, and that through belief, one finds solace amidst life’s tribulations.
Willie is preceded in death by her parents Loyd Ard and Leavie Smart Ard; husband, Bobby Whistler; sisters, Dorothy Ard, Thelma Ard Taylor; brothers, James Ard, Lonnie Ard; brother-in-law, James Knobloch; sister in laws, Elaine Taylor Ard, Alice Courtney Ard; granddaughter, Bailey Rogers Mitcham. She is survived by her children, Mark Campbell and wife Robin of Lake Jackson, TX, Stephen Campbell and wife Salena, of Richwood, TX, Linda Campbell Hall and husband James of Fort Worth, TX; step children, Anthony (Tony) Whistler of Conroe, TX, Terri Whistler Lee and husband Alan of Glen Rose, TX; 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, siblings, Mary Ard Parrish Credeur of Daisetta, TX, Jimmie Ard of Batson, TX, Kimmie Ard and wife Dee Ann of Hull, TX, Melba Ard Knobloch of New Caney, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A visitation will be held from 11:00am - 12:00pm on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Faith and Family Funeral Service, Batson, TX. Funeral service to begin at 12:00pm officiated by Pastor Phil Meadows at Faith and Family Funeral Service, Batson, TX. Interment to follow at Franks Branch Cemetery, Fred, TX.