Lenora Chapa Willis, a generous, kind, and beautiful soul, entered the Heavenly gates on Friday, September 8, 2023. Although unexpected, her death was all in His timing. Lenora was born out at "the ranch" under a big oak tree in Pleasanton on April 8, 1948. She was the youngest of three siblings born to Tomas and Eusdela Chapa, both of Pleasanton.

Lenora attended Leal Elementary school with all the other children who lived out in the Leal community.  She often reminisced about her experiences with Mrs. Brite and other childhood friends. Lenora eventually attended the Pleasanton schools and graduated from PHS in 1966. She was a proud Eagle involved in many extra-curricular activities including the Spanish Club, Library Assistant Club, the Pep Squad, and Class Editor.

After high school, Lenora went out to venture the world and took a position at Santa Rosa Hospital in the accounting department. She made many friends and memories before meeting her first husband on a blind date. It was love at first sight and they joined in union of marriage at St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Not long afterwards, Lenora gave birth to her only child, daughter Erica. They raised Erica together in Texas until they were transferred by the US Army to Georgia.

While in Georgia, Lenora attended community college, worked as a director for Kinder Care and then worked with the Board of Education. Indeed, education was a passion of Lenora's. When she relocated back to Texas, she began working with the Pleasanton Independent School District. For the next 33 years, Lenora devoted her life to working with kindergarten students as a paraprofessional. She loved her job, her school family and most of all the children. In 2018, Lenora was awarded with the proud honor of Paraprofessional of the Year for Pleasanton Primary. She retired that same year to stay home and take care of her mother. It was a difficult decision, but Lenora always put family first.

Lenora Willis, a humble and compassionate person, had a positive and profound impact on many lives in this community. She donated clothing to local churches, always had kind words to share with others, and helped anyone in need if she had the means. Lenora enjoyed watching shows such as The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Big Brother, and The Challenge, as well as her soap operas and telenovelas. In her past time, she met up with her friends for lunch and played Candy Crush. Lenora enjoyed spending time in her yard and taking care of her great grandchildren. She loved them tremendously; they were her world.

Lenora Chapa Willis was preceded in death by her parents, Tomas and Eusdela Chapa, her sister Celia (Sally) Pacheco and niece, Denise Martinez. She is survived by her only child, Erica Frerichs Trevino, and husband Jason of Pleasanton; granddaughter, Karaney Angel Pagan; great grandchildren, Jordan Jay Schuster and Jaycee Rae Ponce all of Pleasanton; sister, Delia Chapa of Pleasanton; nieces and nephews, Michael Pacheco and wife De Ann of Louisiana, Matthew Pacheco of San Antonio, Rudy Castillo III and wife Holly of Pleasanton, Jennifer Castillo Zuniga and husband Ruben of San Antonio, Kimberly Castillo of Pleasanton, Jacob Castillo of San Antonio.

A Celebration of Life for Lenora is on Saturday, September 23rd, at Hurley's Funeral Home in Pleasanton.  Visitation is from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, commencing with a Celebration of Life ceremony from 4:00-5:00pm.  During this time, family and friends are welcome to reminisce and share fond memories of Lenora Chapa Willis.