Elizabeth Willard

Elizabeth Ann Willard entered the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 12, 2026, at the age of 70.

Born on March 8, 1956, in Sidney, Nebraska, to Beverly Jean and Robert John Simon, Elizabeth experienced the world from an early age. Her Dad worked for the US Army (DoD civilian), and his work took the family around the world. Her childhood and teenage years included living in France, Germany, and Thailand before she returned to Aberdeen, Maryland.

It was there in Aberdeen that she met the love of her life, John Robert Willard, “Bob”, at First Baptist Church. Their shared faith became the foundation of a devoted partnership and they married on February 18, 1978.  Together they made their home in Aberdeen, building a life centered on faith, family, and their love for one another.

Elizabeth’s relationship with Jesus shaped every part of her life. Her faith found expression in the patience she extended, the strength she offered, and the care she gave to those around her. A peacemaker within her extended family, she helped hold its many members close through her steady love.

She also carried forward a cherished tradition begun by her mother and grandmother: remembering loved ones with greeting cards. Elizabeth became the family’s keeper of that tradition, honoring birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions with an email or text message. These gestures offered a lasting message: we are family, you are loved.

Music was another enduring source of joy for  Elizabeth. She loved to sing expressing her heart and her faith through song. A voracious reader, she also shared her love of books with her grandchildren.

Elizabeth had a special love for children, which extended beyond her own family. She also spent time as a nanny for other families (often from the church).

She found joy in caring for and nurturing the children entrusted to her. Her love for children was simply part of who she was.

She was a devoted wife to Bob, a loving mother to Rachel Elizabeth Crouch and her husband, James, and Sarah Katherine Gebhardt and her husband, Bryan, and a proud and delighted Nana. Her five grandchildren—Josiah Crouch, 19; Matthew Gebhardt, 18; Levi Crouch, 16; Caleb Gebhardt, 15; and Eden Crouch, 13—were among her greatest joys. She treasured each of them and the special place she held in their lives.

Elizabeth is also survived by her beloved siblings, Thomas Simon, Timothy Simon, and Priscilla Knicley. She was preceded in death by her parents and her dear brother, John.

Elizabeth leaves a legacy of steadfast faith, gentle, practical strength, and love expressed in both everyday kindnesses and lifelong devotion. Her family and friends will miss her deeply and find comfort in knowing that her faith has become sight. She is home in the presence of the Savior she loved so dearly.

Visitation will be held at Restore Church, 15 N. Earlton Road, Havre de Grace on Monday, November 16 from 10 to 11 am. The service will begin at 11 am with interment to follow at Harford Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.