In Loving Memory of Son Ae Willis (1949 – 2025)

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the tragic and untimely passing of Son Ae Willis, a cherished mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend, who left this world far too soon on a quiet morning in Manassas, Virginia. Son Ae, aged 76, died unexpectedly while doing one of her favorite daily routines—walking her beloved dog through her neighborhood, where she was known and loved by many.

Born in South Korea in 1949, Son Ae was a woman of extraordinary strength, grace, and resilience. Her early years were marked by determination and courage. In her twenties, she bravely left her homeland to start a new life in the United States, carrying with her little more than hope, ambition, and an unbreakable spirit. Settling in Northern Virginia, she built a life rooted in love, family, and service to others.

Son Ae married James Willis in 1974, and together they forged a bond that lasted nearly five decades until his passing in 2018. Their marriage was one of deep respect and shared dreams, and their home was a place of warmth, generosity, and open arms to friends, neighbors, and extended family. Together, they raised two children, Melissa and Andrew, to whom Son Ae devoted her life. She was the type of mother who never missed a school play, a graduation, or a moment to offer wise advice and unconditional love.

Professionally, Son Ae worked for over 30 years as a seamstress, where her meticulous craftsmanship and kind spirit earned her the admiration of clients and colleagues alike. She was especially gifted in traditional Korean needlework, and her handmade quilts and garments were treasured heirlooms passed down in her family and gifted to new mothers, friends, and newlyweds throughout the community.

But it was her life outside of work that defined her most. Son Ae was an avid gardener, a skilled cook, and a gentle soul whose presence brought peace and comfort to those around her. She found beauty in the simplest things—birds at the feeder, cherry blossoms in bloom, the smell of rain. Her dog, Mochi, a fluffy white Maltese mix, was her near-constant companion in recent years, especially after her husband passed. The two were a familiar and heartwarming sight to those who lived along her daily walking route.

On the morning of her passing, neighbors described her as smiling and humming softly, exchanging waves and gentle greetings as she often did. Tragically, an unforeseen accident occurred during this walk, robbing the world of a truly gentle soul. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but her injuries proved fatal. The loss has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter Melissa (Eric), her son Andrew (Lisa), four adoring grandchildren—Grace, Eli, Hannah, and Jae—as well as her sisters in South Korea and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love will live on in them.

A memorial service for Son Ae Willis will be held on Saturday at Evergreen Baptist Church in Manassas, where she was a long-time member. Friends, neighbors, and all who knew her are welcome to attend and celebrate a life so beautifully lived and so deeply mourned.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Prince William County Animal Shelter or to a local charity supporting elderly well-being and safety—causes that Son Ae supported in life with compassion and sincerity.

Though her passing was sudden and heartbreaking, the light Son Ae Willis brought into the world will never be extinguished. She walked softly, spoke gently, and loved fiercely. And in doing so, she changed the world around her—for the better.