Elaine Dillingham Willis was born October 20, 1949, in Barnardsville, NC to E.J. Dillingham and Mary Geneva Lane Dillingham. She spent most of her early life in both Barnardsville and  Ohio before settling in Mars Hill following her marriage to Clayton Willis in 1967. Elaine built a family rooted in faith, family, and community.

To many, Elaine was known as a dedicated and hardworking banker, serving faithfully for 37 years with First Citizens Bank and Asheville Savings Bank. She began her career at just 17 years old. Elaine notably became the youngest officer at First Citizens by age of 22. Later, she became Vice President/Director of Internal Auditing at Asheville Savings Bank. This feat is a testament of her determination and work ethic.

To her family, she was known for her steady presence and the unwavering love and joy she found in simple moments, like looking at the mountains, going on drives, solving word puzzles, collecting angels, and watching Elvis Presley. Her greatest joy can be found in her children and  grandchildren. She took pride in being a good wife, a loving mother, and a devoted grandmother. Her favorite memories were the day her children and grandchildren were born, and they remained the center of her world.

Elaine was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mars Hill, where she dedicated time serving in many roles, but her favorites were Sunday School teacher and church treasurer.   Additionally, she served as the treasurer for the French Broad Baptist Association for many years. Elaine was actively involved in the community, offering her time and talents to local organizations, businesses, and her family throughout the years.

Elaine was the oldest of five siblings, Robin Dillingham Cole, Michael "Mikie" Edward Dillingham, James Woodrow "Woody" Dillingham, and Robert David "John" Dillingham. She  was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Woody Dillingham. Elaine is survived by her other siblings and her beloved husband of over 58 years, Thomas Clayton Willis; her children, Mark Willis and his wife, Traci, and Angel Hilemon and her husband, Bear; her cherished grandchildren, Lane and his wife, Tamara, Connor, Anna Kate, Clay, Caden, and Caleb, and two great granddaughters, Aviya Page and Odette Elaine Willis. She also leaves behind extended family and dear friends who will continue to carry her love and legacy forward.    

Elaine passed away on April 15, surrounded by the ones she loved most.

A funeral service will be held at 11am Monday, April 20, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church. Reverend Glenn Graves will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4-6pm Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Blue Ridge Funeral & Cremation Service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Abiding Hope and the French Broad Baptist Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.