Willodean Hovis

Willodean Richardson Hovis, 97, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026.

Willodean was born in Gaston County and spent much of her life in Bessemer City and Belmont, North Carolina. Most recently she was under the loving care of the staff at Stanley Total Living Center. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and woman of faith whose life was marked by love, service, and a genuine love for others.

Willodean dedicated more than 30 years of her life to education. She served as a reading teacher at West School and Central School, a third-grade teaching assistant at Central School, and later as a substitute teacher for Gaston County Schools. Teaching was more than a career to her—it was a way to pour into the lives of children and make a lasting difference in her community.

Willodean loved Jesus and was a cherished member of her church community. She served as a Sunday school teacher and volunteered with Vacation Bible School, sharing her love of Christ with generations of children and families.

Willodean found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. She loved working in her flower garden, watching birds, putting together jigsaw puzzles, completing word searches, fishing, and spending time at the beach. Christmas held a particularly special place in her heart, and she loved the traditions that came with the season.

Above all, Willodean treasured her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Larry Bumgardner of Belmont, NC; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Bailey and Matthew Watson of Simpsonville, SC; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Watts and Madison Bumgardner of Lawndale, NC; and her great-grandchildren, Bennett, Holden, Theodore, and Ella, who brought her great joy and many cherished memories.

In addition to her parents, Crown and Lavada Richardson, and her brother, Frank Richardson, Willodean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Coye W. Hovis; her son, Sam Hovis; and her daughter-in-love Tennie Groves.

Willodean leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, education, kindness, and service. Her family will forever cherish the memories she gave them and the love she so freely shared.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing that she is now in the presence of the Savior she loved so dearly.

A celebration of life drop-in will be held at First United Methodist Church in Bessemer City, NC, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m on Saturday, August 29, 2026. A private burial will follow at a later time.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.

Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Hovis family. To offer condolences, please visit www.siskbutler.com.