WILLIAMSBURG — Lois J. “Jewell” Villa, 80, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer Friday, Oct. 2, 2020. She was born Dec. 31, 1939, in Charleston, West Virginia.
She began her life as a coal miner’s daughter in Widen, West Virginia. After high school, she moved to Washington, D.C., to see what else the world had to offer. This is where she met her husband of 63 years, Eloy.
Jewell loved socializing, playing games and visiting new places. If the car was leaving, she was in it! A road trip, a cruise or going to see the grandkids were all exciting to her. She lived her life full of energy and wonder. She never met a stranger, but instead could carry on a conversation with anyone she met. She enjoyed working at Busch Gardens, following her retirement from the CIA.
Jewell loved traveling the world to see her kids and grandkids, as much as they loved traveling to Williamsburg to see her. She made sure to have homemade rolls or German chocolate cake waiting, followed by a game of cards or bingo.
She is survived by her husband, Eloy; daughters, Donna (Jim) Haltigan, Monica (Andy) Keen and Stephanie (Tony) Lyons; grandchildren, Julie (Travis) Sumner, Katie (Mike) Buccola, Chelsea Van Lear, Joe Van Lear, William Van Lear, Percie Lyons, Corey Lyons, Allyson Baugher, Zoe Lyons and Anna Van Lear; great-grandchildren, Eddy Buccola, Marnie Sumner and Ramsey Buccola; and siblings, Janet Savko and Cecil Ramsey.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. View livestreaming of the service at williamsburgumc.org/worship.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
