Vonnie Willis

Vonnie Willis, 93, of Grosse Pointe, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Vonnie was born Oct. 3, 1929, to Raymond G. Wegman and Dorothy Wegman (nee Arnold). She graduated from Grosse Pointe High School and then studied home economics at Michigan State University. Vonnie loved the fashion industry and worked at J.L. Hudson's in Detroit, then at Jacobson's in Grosse Pointe. In the 1960s, she managed the Village Store on The Hill in Grosse Pointe Farms. Vonnie volunteered many years at both Harper and Beaumont hospitals. She also volunteered at Martin North Hospital in Stuart, Fla., during the winter months. Both Vonnie and her husband of 47 years, Doug, were active members of the Indian Village Racquet Club, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and the Nomad Travel Club. Vonnie was predeceased by her former husband of seven years, Robert Clarke, and her husband, Doug. She is survived by her daughter, Lori Clarke Willis Knoska; son-in-law, James Knoska; brother, Richard Wegman (Celeste); grandchildren, Erin Crist (Tyson) and James Knoska II (Emily); and three great-grandchildren who knew her as G-Voni, Carys and Declan Crist and James Grace Knoska. A gathering for family...[more]

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d friends takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, at Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Grosse Pointe Memorial Church, 16 Lakeshore, Grosse Pointe Farms. A private memorial service is being planned for a later date. Share a memory at verheyden.org.