Mrs. Elizabeth “Libby” Kanipe Willis, 65, wife of Stanley M. Willis, lost her short, determined battle with glioblastoma cancer on July 1, 2020. She passed away peacefully under the care of the Haven Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Fla., for whom the family is grateful for their care and kindness. She was a resident of Flagler Beach, Fla., with a second residence in Mears on the Eastern Shore. Libby and Stan spent much time visiting, relaxing, and entertaining her family and their many lifetime friends on the Shore at their home, more commonly known as “Hooterville.”
Born in Norfolk, Va., she was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. L.M. Kanipe and Lillian Rhyne Kanipe; brother, David L. Kanipe; and sister-in-law, Sharon F. Kanipe. She is survived by her brother, Joseph R. Kanipe, and his wife, Sheri A. Kanipe; niece, Amy Kanipe Ratzlaff; nephew, Jason Kanipe; great nieces and nephews, many cousins, and a host of longtime friends.
Libby was a cheerleader, played basketball, and graduated from Parksley High School in 1973. She continued in higher education and received an Associate of Science degree from Chowan College, 1975; Bachelor of Science degree in education from East Carolina University, 1977; and Master of Science degree in education leadership from Nova University, 1990.
Libby’s professional 38-year career started as a middle school general education teacher in Edgecombe County, Rocky Mount, N.C. She then became a high school general education teacher in Flagler County, Bunnell, Fla.; grade 3 general education teacher, Flagler County, Bunnell, Fla.; adult education coordinator, Flagler County, Fla.; adult education supervisor, Flagler, Fla.; assistant principal, Indian Trails K-8 School, Flagler County, Fla.; co-English teacher, Florida Virtual School; regional representative FIN East Region; and director, research programs/services, University of Florida on the Florida Inclusion Grant. She retired from U.F. June 2015, but she returned to U.F. Jan. 2017 as an educational consultant and parent liaison with UF/FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System) for Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Training Program (MDTP), remaining there until her passing.
The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation to Libby’s longtime coworker and friend, Kimberlee Oakes, along with her daughter Christina, for opening their home as caregivers in Gainesville, Fla., during Libby’s cancer treatments in the nearby University of Florida Health Center. They are angels here on earth!
