Williadeen McGinnis

Williadeen McGinnis passed away on December 22, 2024, in Vancouver, WA. She was 100 years old.

Williadeen was born October 15, 1924, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was the fifth of six children born to Willie and Jessie Brown. The Brown family moved often, eventually moving to Springfield, Oregon.

During her freshman year at Springfield High School, she met J.C. Allen McGinnis. They became best friends and were married on August 26, 1944, when they were both nineteen years old. One of Williadeen’s first jobs was working at Heath’s Wonder Fabrics.

In 1955 J.C. and Williadeen moved to a house off Crow Road. Their son, John Clay, was born, and 15 months later their daughter Susan Cay, was born. In 1963 Williadeen and her family moved to Dakota Street in Eugene, and then in 1978 to their home on West Irwin Way. Williadeen volunteered as a Cub Scout leader, helped in the church kitchen, and worked part-time at Valley News, and in later years enjoyed handing out samples in grocery stores.

After J.C. passed away on October 8, 2001, Williadeen and her sister Loyce moved to Vancouver, WA in September of 2011 and later moved in with her daughter, Susan, and her family for 10 years until her healthcare needs demanded additional care. Williadeen enjoyed many years with her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren in Vancouver. The last three years Williadeen moved into a family care home, and received excellent care by that family, for which we are extremely grateful.

Williadeen loved her family and friends very much. She also enjoyed baking, cleaning, and gardening. She especially loved her flower garden.

Williadeen was blessed to have a loving family: her son, John Clay McGinnis, her daughter, Susan McGinnis-Dunlap, her son-in-law Kelly Dunlap, seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.