Willetta K. “Willie,” “Willa,” Gourley of Pine Run Community, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the age of 93 with her daughter at her side. She was the beloved wife and partner of John C. Gourley for 62 years until his passing in November 2013.
Willie was the daughter of the late Marion (Forbes) and Alfred Taylor King.
She is survived by her son: Jack (JoAnne) and daughters: Amy Landis (Dave), Nancy Bellmeyer and Meg MacDonald, eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her grandson, Justin D. Landis and her brother, Alfred T. King, Jr.
Mrs. Gourley graduated from Lansdale High School and Drexel University. Following graduation she worked in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Company in the Trust Department. After having children she enjoyed being a mother and homemaker until 1968 when she began working at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown as secretary to the President and the Board of Trustees until 1991. Upon retirement she immediately volunteered at Doylestown Hospital where she contributed over 7,000 hours at the Information Desk and the Maternity Department. Upon moving to Pine Run she became involved in volunteer duties there. She was a member of VIA of Doylestown.
Willie and John led a full life and were fortunate to have traveled worldwide together, visiting all continents with the exception of Antarctica. Along with her husband she enjoyed entertaining family and friends and enjoyed cooking.
They were members of a Gourmet Club and also members of a formal dance group, The Rythmic Society. Their summer vacations, with their children, always involved water sports as John owned a motor boat, which was enjoyed by all. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and doing counted cross stitch.
While raising children she volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader for many years, Home Room Mother, Officer of the P.T.A. and charter member of the Warminster Women’s Club. She was a member of Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church, Chalfont.
Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral service at 1 p.m., Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown, where the family will receive guests from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Willa’s name may be made to PARVEE Foundation at Pine Run Community, 777 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
