Obituaries
Willis "Bootsie" Taylor
July 27, 2026
Willis “Bootsie” Jean Taylor, age 74, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Hospice of the Panhandle in Kearneysville, West Virginia.
Born on July 29, 1951, in New London, Ohio, Willis was the daughter of the late Willie Damron and Edith (Blair) Damron.
Willis was a graduate of New London High School and of the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Basic Police Academy in the Greater Cleveland area. She enjoyed a long career in security with JCPenney before retiring, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.
Willis had a warm smile, a generous heart, and a gift for making others feel welcome. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her family and close friends. She had a creative spirit and enjoyed crafting, singing, painting, birdwatching, and many other creative pursuits, often sharing her talents with those she loved. Above all, she cherished making lasting memories and celebrating life's special moments together.
She is survived by her children, Cassandra Johnson, Fred (Karen) Johnson, Amanda Johnson, and Andrea (Jose) Johnson Leos; six grandsons and six granddaughters; Fred (Nick) Trainor, age 34, Makayla (Ethan) Seville, age 31, Marshena Johnson, age 29, Reid Leos, age 28, Mareesha Johnson, age 28, Adria Leos, age 26, Kyra (Christine) Leos, age 24, Anthony Johnson, age 20, William Johnson, age 19, Preston Johnson, age 9, Conner Johnson, age 7 and Kylie Johnson, age 5; eight great-grandchildren; along with three brothers and seven sisters; Larry (Bonnie) Trimble, Billy Damron, Jacky Damron, Naomi (Randy) Babb, Linda Damron, Brenda (Dave) Kirby, Ruby Case, Betty Lemaster, Sandy (Dudley) Holland, Kathy (Rick) Resor, extended family and many dear friends, who will miss her greatly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Danny Trimble and Bruce Damron.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Visitation hours will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Norwalk, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made online to the Firelands Audubon Society at https://www.firelandsaudubon.com/donate in Willis's memory.
Willis will be remembered for her kindness, strength, generous heart, and creative spirit. She touched the lives of many through her love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her memory will forever be cherished by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and all who were blessed to know her.
Willis "Bootsie" Taylor
July 27, 2026
Willis “Bootsie” Jean Taylor, age 74, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Hospice of the Panhandle in Kearneysville, West Virginia.
Born on July 29, 1951, in New London, Ohio, Willis was the daughter of the late Willie Damron and Edith (Blair) Damron.
Willis was a graduate of New London High School and of the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Basic Police Academy in the Greater Cleveland area. She enjoyed a long career in security with JCPenney before retiring, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.
Willis had a warm smile, a generous heart, and a gift for making others feel welcome. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her family and close friends. She had a creative spirit and enjoyed crafting, singing, painting, birdwatching, and many other creative pursuits, often sharing her talents with those she loved. Above all, she cherished making lasting memories and celebrating life's special moments together.
She is survived by her children, Cassandra Johnson, Fred (Karen) Johnson, Amanda Johnson, and Andrea (Jose) Johnson Leos; six grandsons and six granddaughters; Fred (Nick) Trainor, age 34, Makayla (Ethan) Seville, age 31, Marshena Johnson, age 29, Reid Leos, age 28, Mareesha Johnson, age 28, Adria Leos, age 26, Kyra (Christine) Leos, age 24, Anthony Johnson, age 20, William Johnson, age 19, Preston Johnson, age 9, Conner Johnson, age 7 and Kylie Johnson, age 5; eight great-grandchildren; along with three brothers and seven sisters; Larry (Bonnie) Trimble, Billy Damron, Jacky Damron, Naomi (Randy) Babb, Linda Damron, Brenda (Dave) Kirby, Ruby Case, Betty Lemaster, Sandy (Dudley) Holland, Kathy (Rick) Resor, extended family and many dear friends, who will miss her greatly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Danny Trimble and Bruce Damron.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk, Ohio. Visitation hours will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Norwalk, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made online to the Firelands Audubon Society at https://www.firelandsaudubon.com/donate in Willis's memory.
Willis will be remembered for her kindness, strength, generous heart, and creative spirit. She touched the lives of many through her love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her memory will forever be cherished by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and all who were blessed to know her.