Mardeka Willis, 85, of West Terre Haute, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

She was born May 17, 1937 in Pike County, Indiana to Luther Willis and Edna Murray Willis.

Mardeka was a devoted teacher. She taught elementary school in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois before coming to Terre Haute. Mardeka worked for the Vigo County School Corporation and taught special education classes at Sarah Scott Middle School as well as Chauncey Rose Middle School. She was a member of the Indiana Teachers’ Association, she loved music and telling a good joke, and was an avid reader.

Mardeka was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, John Willis and Joe Willis.

She is survived by her sister, Frederica DuKate; her lifelong friend, Joyce Hamilton; and seven nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Monday, January 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 North 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, Indiana. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Mardeka’s nephew, Mike Dukate, will officiate. Private burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Petersburg, Indiana. Notes of condolences may be left at: www.fitzpatrickfunerals.com.

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