Una Robinson-Willis

Una Gail Robinson Willis of Knoxville passed away peacefully Saturday, May 17, 2025 at her home.  She was born in Alcoa, April 3, 1945 to Norris and Mary Ella (George) Robinson.

While growing up in Alcoa, Una Gail attended Charles M. Hall School, St. John Missionary Baptist Church and demonstrated her skill and talent in hair care and hair styling.  While living in Knoxville, Una Gail devoted her life to raising her four children which brought her much happiness and filled her life with pleasure and joy.  With passion and zeal, she pursued her lifelong ambition of becoming a cosmetologist.  She was widely known for her creative flair and natural ability to manipulate hair.  

Una Gail often expressed how blessed she was to have a clientele to share her faith and the word of God while working in the cosmetology profession.  Moreover, her love for God was demonstrated during her membership at St. Peters Primitive Baptist Church, Alcoa and most recently and until her illness she was a devoted member at Cherry Street Church of God, Knoxville.  

Our family called her Gail.  Our beloved Gail will always be remembered for her infectious smile, and her kind and tender heart. Her beauty shone both outwardly and inwardly, radiating a warmth that touched everyone.  Her spirit was as beautiful as her appearance.  We will remember her devotion to studying the Bible and her love of gospel music.  We love you Gail but God loves you best.  May your precious memories be a blessing.  

She was preceded in death by husband Willie Joe Willis; infant daughter, Kimberly Denise Watts; parents, Norris and Mary Ella (George) Robinson; grandparents, Steve Robinson, Georgia Jenkins, and Robert and Cora George; brothers, Norris O. Robinson, Jr., Ralph M. Robinson, Sr, Edwin E. Robinson, Rodney S. Robinson; sister, Eleanor LaRose Robinson, infant sister, Janette Anita Robinson; nephews, Ralph M. Robinson, Jr., Jacques C. Robinson, Stanley L. Dean; niece, Tyra J. Richardson Patterson; sister-in-law Martha Robinson; brother-in-law Maurice Waters.

Among those she leaves to cherish her memories are her children; sons Willie Darryl Watts, Victor Lynn (Tawanna) Watts; daughters Teresa Yvette Watts (Malcolm) Jackson and Tamelyn Renae (Baffin) Harper; grandchildren Demarcus Watts, Darryl Watts, Dylan Watts, Dakota Watts, Shairie (Rasheen) Lovett, Tiana Watts, Vicarrious King, Vicario Cannon-Watts, Xalon Bowden, Macie Jackson, and Naekeya Evans; great-grandchildren Dinero Watts, Dakari Watts, Diesel Watts, Desean Watts, Denver Watts, Lakai Cannon-Watts, Asha Cannon-Watts, Karia Cannon-Watts, Tylin Allen, Ka’Liyah King, Deshun Watts, Destinee Watts, Rahnique Lovett, Jaymauri Jackson, Nasir Wyrick, Seniyah Mills and Melanie Mills; siblings, Audrey J. Richardson, Jacqueline A. Waters, Sandra T. (Klem) Jones, Vincent W. (Vannie) Robinson, Rosalind A. Robinson, Mary G. (Emanuel) Roland, and Michael E. (Pamela) Robinson, Sr; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, numerous relatives and several special friends.

The family will receive friends from 11:30am - 12:30am on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Cherry Street Church of God, with a service to immediately follow. Evangelist Israel Bob Jr. officiating and Bishop Zack Flack, eulogist. Following the service will be an entombment at Sherwood Memorial Garden's mausoleum.