Mary Elizabeth Willett, 89, of Cassville, Mo. passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Aurora, Mo.

She was born on September 17, 1936, in Jonesboro, Ark., the daughter of Theodore Franklin and Eunice Emery (Bushong) Spence, who preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death was her husband,

Foster Willett; her son, Bobby Dean Martin; her granddaughter, Jennifer Hopkins; her brother, Johnny Spence and her sisters, Lucille Hall, Ann VanWinkle, and Francis Foreman.

Survivors include her daughter, Sharon Hopkins and husband Jimmy of Cassville, Mo.; two grandsons; one granddaughter; four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She attended and graduated from Nettleton High School in Jonesboro, Ark. 

She worked as a Licensed Hearing Specialist for 32 years. She was a founding member of the Arkansas Hearing Society and served as the secretary and president. 

She began her career at Beltone of Jonesboro and Jonesboro Hearing Service before venturing out and starting her own business. In 1974, she opened NW Arkansas Hearing Service in Rogers, Ark. She eventually expanded to Bentonville Ark., Bella Vista Ark., Noel, Mo. and Grove, Okla. 

She also worked in real estate. She was a member of Poplar Baptist Church in Rogers, Arkansas.

A memorial service will be held later in April. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Mo.