Charles D. & E.B. Willis Fund

When Charles Willis died at age 80 in August 1996, his family established this fund in his memory. Born in Brookline, Charles served in World War II in the south Pacific. He came to Wakefield in 1947 and was employed for many years as a business manager in the automobile industry. While in Wakefield, Charlie was very active in town affairs. He was a member of the Finance Committee for more than 20 years. He was a longtime member of the First Parish Congregational Church where he sang in the choir and served as a trustee, deacon, and on other boards and committees. Charlie was also a former Trustee of The Savings Bank in Wakefield.

His wife, Emma Brown “E.B.” Willis, died in January 2003 at the age of 83. She was born in North Carolina, entered Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, and graduated in 1939. In 1943, she joined the Women’s Army Corp. During her military service she met and married fellow Army member Charles Willis. Together they raised 4 children and celebrated 50 years of marriage before his death. Mrs. Willis was a fulltime wife, mother, homemaker and volunteer. She was also involved with the First Parish Congregational Church where she served in many capacities, especially in the music program and gaining access to services for the elderly and handicapped.

She and her husband were lifetime members of the Quannapowitt Yacht Club. Around the lake, Mrs. Willis could be found fishing, duck watching, picnicking, visiting with friends or helping with club activities. Mrs. Willis was also a 30-year Board member of the North Metropolitan Homemaker and Home Health Agency. She was a volunteer at Melrose Wakefield Hospital for many years and served as a Trustee on the Lakeside Cemetery Board of Trustees.