Gloria Lanell "Nell" Suggs Willis Smith, 87, of Panama City, FL passed from this life into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. She was born on February 18, 1930 in Lockhart, Alabama to Joel Samuel Suggs and Rubie Rose Johnson Suggs. Her father helped build the paper mill in 1930 and then moved his family to Springfield where she grew up. As a young teenager she took over her brother's paper route and delivered daily newspapers to those living in Springfield, Millville and Bay Harbor, riding her horse, Todd. As a family, she loved camping and was always called on to be the medic if needed. She was a member of Widowed Persons Service and enjoyed serving as a counsellor. She also enjoyed dinners with the Christian Singles group and luncheons with her Bay High School graduating class.

She worked as a Clerk for the Bay District School System for 29 years retiring in 1988. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles D. Willis; T. Woodrow "Woody" Smith; two sisters, Ruby Hodge, Mildred Weathers; one brother, Joel "Buddy" Suggs and daughter-in-law, Debra Barnes Willis. She is survived by her daughter, Gloria Jean Welch (Mark); two sons, Charles Willis (Marti), Russell Willis (Carla); three grandchildren, Jessica Willis (Mike), Shannon Robinson (Lucas), Dane Willis (Ashley); five great grandchildren, Avery, Riley, Isabella, Sadie, Connor and other loved family members. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Dan Mitchell officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens.