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Bobbie Jean Price Willard (Shields), originally of Seven Springs, NC, passed away peacefully at her Raleigh, NC home on April 30, 2021, surrounded by her twin daughters and her favorite hymns. Bobbie was born December 2, 1939 to the late LeRoy Price and Annie Rabia Price. In addition to her parents, Bobbie was preceded in death by a husband, C. Wayne Willard; a husband, William (Bill) Dorsey Shields; an infant brother, Robert Eddie Price; a brother, Lorenzo Price; a sister, LaRue Price Long; and a brother-in-law, William (Bill) Mooring. She is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly Starr Cecchini, and Pamela Leigh Willard; stepdaughter Nicole Shields-Cappel; stepson, Sean Michael Shields; sister, June Mooring Hickman (Price) and husband Bob; sister-in-law Marilyn Willard Hale and husband Tommy; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and grandpuppy Peanut Butter.

Bobbie was first and foremost, a teacher, who took special joy in helping others learn and grow. Having graduated as valedictorian at Seven Springs High School in 1958, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Math and English from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1961. She immediately accelerated in the education field and taught grades 6-12 for three decades. She served as a teacher in Pitt County, NC (where she taught with Roberta Flack); Cleveland, Ohio; and York County, Virginia.

Her love for God and fierce faith was an ever-present part of who she was, and she believed deeply in the power of prayer. She was a loyal and loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend to many. 

Bobbie was a North Carolinian through and through—who enjoyed the simple pleasures of family, good home cooking, long conversations, boating, the water, and the joy that nature brings. As a young woman, Bobbie could just as easily be seen working the tobacco fields with her family, as she could be seen cheerleading, enjoying her studies, or playing the piano–which she continued into her adult life, playing at church and for many special events. Beyond these talents, Bobbie was known for her passion for organizing, and there was no pantry she touched that will forget her.

Bobbie’s family will receive friends on May 8 at 1 pm at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory, 900 John Small Avenue, Washington, NC 27889, to be followed by a service in the chapel at 1:30 pm. A private family burial will be held immediately after. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, https://transitionslifecare.org/donate/ and/or Old Ford Church of Christ, 6040 US-17 North, Washington, NC 27889 https://oldford.church/giving. 

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.paulfuneralhome.com

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Willard family.