Tributes

Daphne Marie Willis Salinas, 70 years, went home to her Lord on February 1, 2007 in Boerne, Texas. She was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on July 14, 1936, and is preceded in death by her parents James Jack Alton Willis and Katie Marie Jacobs of Enigma, Georgia, and by her grandson, Grant Jacob Spachek. Survivors: brothers and sisters, Wayne Therman Willis and wife Peggy of Tennessee, James Ronald Willis and wife Anne Marie of Texas. Benny Joe Willis and wife Frances of Georgia, Barbara Ann Wilkerson and husband John of Tennessee, and Patricia Willis and life-partner Felicia Miller of Virginia: Children, Rose Marie Salinas of Virginia, Kathryn Elizabeth Padilla and husband William Michael, Debra Lea Spachek and husband Donald Eugene: grandchildren, Michael Lee Salinas and wife Shanna, LeeAnne Marie Padilla, Casey James Spechek, Joshua William Spachek, Travis Jordan Spachek, Lauren Elizabeth Spachek and great-granddaughter Kelly Leeanne all of Texas. Daphne graduated from Berrien County High School, Georgia in 1955. 1956, she married Arturo Salinas of Kingsville, Texas. She traveled with her career Air Force husband raising their daughters around the world in England, Belgium, France, Germany, Portugal, the Azores, Spain, the Canary Islands, Washington D.C., and Fort Worth/Del Rio/San Antonio, Texas. She received her Registered Nursing degree in 1980 at San Antonio College and served as an OB-Gyn and oncology nurse for University Health Hospital for 18 years. She retired in 1998 due to her first bout with breast cancer. Daphne loved traveling, country music, dancing, the arts, crocheting, sewing, quilting, embroidery, photography, and antiquing, But her passion was genealogy. Her travels and relentless research have brought together family from all over the country of all ethnic backgrounds. As part of her efforts, in February 2006, Daphne and daughter Kathryn were inducted into the Daughters of the American Revolution and Debra and Rose will follow suit soon. From cancer on the homefront, handing out drinks and hugs at the Pentagons ground zero, racism in her back yard, to ensuring success for her family, Daphne was a fighter. She will be remembered for many things but most importantly for her quiet strength, smiling grace, and great capacity for love. Viewing at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 6:30 p.m., Monday, February 5, 2007. On Tuesday, February 6, 2007, at University United Methodist Church, 5084 DeZavala Road, a FINAL Viewing at 9:00 a.m. Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m., with graveside following at Mission burial Park North. Flowers are welcome or donations in memory of Grant Jacob Spechek to a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Daphne Marie Willis Salinas

July 14, 1936 - February 1, 2007