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Willa Dean Sewell went to be with her Lord on Monday, November 29, 2021. She left this world peacefully.
Willa Dean was born May 16, 1926, to the late Lyman and Bessie Lawrence, of Vernon, AL. She attended University of Alabama where she received her Master’s degree in 1960. A short time later, she and her young son moved to Natchitoches, LA. Willia Dean accepted a position as a professor at Northwestern State University and began what would be a long career. After retirement, she moved back to her native state of Alabama.
Willa Dean was preceded in death by her husband, A.D. Sewell; her son, Horace W. Hamby; her grandson, Anthony J. Hamby; her step-son, Michael G. Sewell; her brothers, Thomas Merdell Lawrence and Foy Benton Lawrence; and her sister, Mary Lavelle Vinson.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 4, at 11:00 AM, at Bethel Church of Christ, with Tony Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Visitation will be at the church, 10:00-11:00, prior to the service.
Willa Dean is survived by her granddaughter, Amy (Tim) Crain; three great-grandchildren, Alex Crain, Hunter Crain, and Anna (Gage) Chambers. She had three loving stepchildren, J.D. (Wanda) Sewell, Jerry Sewell, and Marsha (Mickey) Harrell, who blessed her with many more wonderful step-grands. She also was blessed with a large extended family as well as numerous friends.
