Willadean (Ayers) Lawrence, 99, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the La Plata Nursing Home in La Plata, MO.

Born November 28, 1926, in Pennville, Missouri, Willadean was the daughter of William Robert and Ina A. (Fetters) Ayers. On June 19, 1947, Willadean was united in marriage to Paul Walters, who preceded her in death on June 24, 1975. On September 9, 1976, in Shibleys Point, she was married to Gerald Lawrence, who preceded her in death on January 15, 1997. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Carrie Garbinsky; one brother, Bill Ayers; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Willadean is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Gayla Walters of Novinger, MO; two daughters and a son-in-law, Linda and Ed Powell of Novinger, MO, and Ann Walker of Kirksville, MO; two brothers-in-law, Bill (Kathleen) Lawrence and Howard Lee, all of Greentop, MO; two sisters-in-law, Velva Lawrence of Kirksville, MO, and Bernice Baggs of Kansas City, MO; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Brant) VanSickel, Paul (Amanda) Walker, Lance Walker, Mary (Joe) Comazzi, Katie (Aaron) McMurry, Shannon (Toni) Walters, April (Matt) Anderson, and Sarah (Joe) Watson; seventeen great grandchildren; and twelve great-great-grandchildren.

A 1945 graduate of Green City High School, Willadean also attended Kirksville State Teachers College. She worked at the Florsheim Shoe Factory before beginning a career with Hollister, Inc., where she remained for over twenty years until her retirement.

She found great joy in playing Bingo and cards, attending the Missouri State Fair every year, and spending winters in San Benito, Texas, with her husband Gerald. Above all, she loved following her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's many sporting events and activities.

Willadean was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Kirksville Chapter 184 and Ladies Auxiliary Post 2508.

A funeral service, including an Eastern Star ceremony, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. Burial will follow in the Green Castle Cemetery.

Public visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Memorials in honor of Willadean may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or Green Castle Cemetery. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.