Leslie Darlene Willis

Leslie Darlene Willis, 55, passed away after a long, hard fought battle with cancer on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Newark, Ohio. She was born on July 24, 1970, in Newark , Ohio to the late Harry D. and Nancy (Claypool) Willis.

Leslie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a heart of gold and always placed others before herself; your problems were her problems.

She is survived by her children, Brittany Marlo, Brenton Anthony (Rayonna Williams) Marlo II, and Zachary James (Sierra Sterling) Marlo. Her grandchildren, Braxton Skaggs, Zariah Marlo, Elias Hammond, Abigail Miller, Esmeralda Miller, and Arionna Williams, were her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Leslie is also survived by her siblings, Bruce Willis and Paula Zimmerman, and is remembered fondly by her many nieces and nephews, including April Barber, Christopher Barber, Markayla Halloway, Kaleigha Halloway, Amora Benford, as well as her Marlo nieces and nephews and Marlo siblings. She formed lifelong friendships with Sharma Munson, Karen Perry, Tina Avery, and Gary Gourley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Kelly Barber, Anthony Willis, and Steve Willis.

A visitation in honor of Leslie's life will be held at Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service, 285 E. Main Street, Kirkersville, OH, on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 3:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life and share memories of the joyful spirit Leslie brought into their lives.

Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Leslie and her family during this time.