Willa June Pilcher

Willa June Neal Pilcher, 74, of Huntsville, Texas passed away with family by her side. on July 20, 2023. Willa, the eldest of six children, was born in Enid, Oklahoma on November 27, 1948, to Virginia Lenore Grant and Foster Lyle Neal. She was a typical kid in the 50's and 60's - she loved spending lots of time outdoors, playing cards, board games and working jigsaw puzzles. She loved dancing to the "bubble gum" songs of her teen years. And one year in junior high school, she enjoyed being part of the radio program that broadcasted locally. Willa received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Criminology and Corrections from Sam Houston State University and worked as a parole officer at the Wynne unit. She trained many people in the corrections profession, a definite plus for those succeeding her. Those she trained would say "I have been Pilcherized," a high compliment meaning they had been thoroughly, properly, and expertly trained. Her red-pen edits on reports were legendary. She exemplified and demanded accuracy and excellence. The world of parole and corrections is better for Willa having been a part of it. Service to her country was also important to her. Willa served in the Navy Reserve and for decades she worked as an elections clerk in many districts. Willa married Dr. Wayland D. Pilcher in 1971 and they moved to Huntsville where he was employed by the Sam Houston State University Criminal Justice Department. The Pilchers enjoyed traveling, watching movies, discussing books, and sharing a good glass of wine with friends. She was also a beloved founding member of Huntsville's "The Business Meeting" group. Willa was an important member of the close-knit group that has helped each other through ups and downs. When Wayland passed away in 1994, he helped other people's lives through organ donation volunteer efforts. Willa was so moved by that experience that she became involved with the National Donor Family Council on a national level. She edited the donor family booklet for bereaved spouses and traveled to Washington D.C. and Australia to represent the organization. Locally, she made herself available to donation organizations and transplant centers. She also spoke to children at local schools about donor awareness issues. Even after her husband's death, she remained a supporter of the Criminal Justice Center and every year presented the scholarship that was created in Dr. Pilcher's name. Willa still had a lot of love and life to share. In 2000 she met Louis F. Falco, and for almost twenty years they enjoyed their secluded home on a pond with several beloved pets. They enjoyed cooking, gardening, eating good meals, watching movies, and of course, traveling. In their later years, Willa's brother Barry moved into the home and became a great help to them. After Louis passed away, Willa was grateful for his presence. Willa always had her passport at the ready in case a friend or relative needed a traveling companion. From South America, to Alaska, from Iceland, England, and Australia, she enjoyed seeing new places and meeting new people. Willa was a steadfast and loyal friend. If you needed help or advice, you could count on her for wise counsel, always truthful and straight-on! She was also a lot of fun and added enthusiasm and wit to any gathering of friends. We will remember her for the richness she added to our lives. Willa J Pilcher is survived by her stepchildren: Von (Melissa) Pilcher of Corpus Christi, TX, and Valerie (Jimmy) Chandler of Wimberley, TX. Her step grandchildren include Erin (Ryan) Wunderlich of Salado, TX and Austin Chandler of Wimberley, TX. Her surviving siblings are Sheryl McCann of Keyport, NJ; Gwen Trimble of Vicksburg, MS; Mark Neal of Charlottesville, VA; Karen Sample (Robert Locklin) of Clovis, CA; and Barry Neal of Huntsville, TX. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on August 5th, 2023, at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park Dr., Huntsville, TX. In remembrance of Willa's life, the family suggests that a charitable donation be made to The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). https://unos.org/give/. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com. You may view the service on live stream, starting 10 minutes before the service time, at the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/529771232

Willa June Pilcher

November 27, 1948 - July 21, 2023