Leona Davis (Willis) Hall, 89, of Harkers Island, NC, passed away peacefully and entered her heavenly home on July 4, 2026.

A funeral service to honor Leona’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, July 12 at Harkers Island Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Lee Pittard and Rev. Jamison Plank. Interment will follow at Polly Ann Davis Cemetery on Harkers Island. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. 

Leona was born on March 16, 1937, on Harkers Island, NC and was one of twelve children of the late Capt. Stacy W. and Sarah Lewis Davis.

She is survived by her husband Robert Sid Hall of twenty-eight years; daughters Fredda Willis of Harkers Island; Mandy Johnson (Ken) of Harkers Island; Susan Lewis (James N. “Fella”) of Marshallberg; Charlotte Howard (Rodney) of Newport and one son, Hugh Willis (Deb) of Gloucester; step-daughter Lynn Rabello (Tony) of Oak Island; one brother Sonny Davis (Joyce) of Morehead City.

She is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Donovan Guthrie (Shawna) of Harkers Island; Candace Guthrie of Newport; Kendra Lawrence (Tate) of Harkers Island; Sheena McIntosh (Benji) of Beaufort; Christian Lewis (Bethany) of Beaufort; Cameron Lewis (Erica) of Harkers Island; Hugh Willis Jr (Leah) of Smyrna; Jonathan Willis of Gloucester; Rylie Howard of Morehead City; Charlie Howard of Morehead City. As well as eight great-grandchildren, Camdyn Ensminger of New Bern; Samantha Guthrie of Beaufort, Chandler Dixon of Beaufort; Brody Willis of Beaufort; Grant Lewis of Beaufort; Arthur Lewis of Beaufort; Easton Willis of Davis and Liam Willis of Smyrna.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Frederick Willis; sisters Sara Jarvis, Hilda Willis, Ella Willis, Dare Guthrie, Rebecca Willis and brothers Bertram Davis, Jack Davis, Oliver Davis, Stacy McVae Davis and Clark Davis

Born a fisherman’s daughter and raised along the shoreline of Harkers Island, Leona’s 89 years were anchored by the water, her family, and her faith. That east’ard shoreline was more than a place she called home – it was a source of peace, cherished memories, and a reminder of God’s enduring presence throughout her life. She spent her earliest days at her father’s fish house learning the value of hard work and when she wasn’t on the shore, you could find her out back playing in the oak trees alongside her siblings or pushing their “pet” pigs in baby strollers and dressing them up like dolls. She talked vividly about those pigs and even put roller skates on them at times. Leona lost her mother at a very young age, so her sisters, Hilda and Rebecca, stepped in to take over that role. Hilda remained that mother figure and Rebecca was not only a sibling but Leona’s best friend up until Rebecca’s passing in February of this year. As a child Leona attended Harkers Island School and Beaufort High School where her love for basketball began. She was passionate about the sport and often excelled at it. This may explain her love for college basketball and the Carolina Tarheels.

On June 24, 1954, Leona wed Charles Frederick Willis and together they created a beautiful family consisting of five children made up of four daughters and one son. From here the family only grew, welcoming grandchildren along the way. Frederick passed in June of 1994 with his family by his side.

Leona continued her education and attended Carteret Technical College where she graduated in August of 1983 with a certificate in cosmetology. She was employed as a beautician at Klip n Kurl in Smyrna where she brought beauty to the women of the community for years. She formed strong friendships with her clients and co-workers, especially Miss Patricia Smith, whom she worked alongside for many years.

Leona’s Christian faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. She was an active and faithful member of the Harkers Island Methodist Church where she joyfully and actively served. She was very active in the Harkers Island Methodist Women’s Group, formerly known as UMW (United Methodist Women) that consisted of talented and gifted women that were the hands and feet of Jesus throughout our community. They compiled and distributed the “Island Born and Bred” cookbook, she crafted beautiful handmade creations such as hand-painted sand dollars with the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, sand dollar wreaths and together they made our Chrismons for our church Christmas trees that we still use to this day. She read her bible and devotions daily and most importantly kept her family covered in prayer.

Leona was fortunate enough to find love again, and married Sid Hall on July 25, 1998. He was the perfect fit not only for her but for the family. Together they traveled to various cities and countries like England, Ireland, Alaska and Nova Scotia just to name a few. She found a happiness like nothing she had ever known and was so grateful for all he did for her and their family. They found comfort in each other and helped take care of one another through unexpected realties of aging.

Above all else, Leona’s greatest joy was her family. She loved deeply and unconditionally, always offering wisdom, comfort, laughter and encouragement. Her home was a place of warmth where you always knew you were welcomed and loved. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend and though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort in knowing she has returned to the shore of eternal peace, leaving a legacy as timeless as the island she once so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Harkers Island Women of Faith” as Leona was an avid member of her church and ladies ministry. Mailing address: Harkers Island Methodist Church, PO Box 307 Harkers Island, NC 28531 *Please note memorial donation for Leona Hall.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.