Diane Gray Willey, A Proud Piney, Dies At 71

Courtesy of Jersey Shore Cremation Service

Diane Gray Willey (nee Cramer) of Little Egg Harbor died on Dec. 5 after a tough battle with cancer.

Diane was born in Pinewald, New Jersey on July 25, 1946 to Louise and Nelson Cramer.

Diane graduated from Southern Regional High School as part of the class of 1963. They were the first class to complete grades 7 through 12 at the high school.

After graduation, she worked at Mr. Big, Spencers Gifts, Tuckerton A&P, the Parkway gift shop, and finished with a 23-year career at Acme Markets, from where she retired. She was a proud member of the Southern Ocean County Hospital's Laurel Auxiliary.

Diane was a dedicated team mother with the Bayshore Little and Senior Leagues for 10 years while her boys, Doug and David, played. Diane was proud to be a Piney, proud of her heritage, and enjoyed getting a good deal at a yard sale.

She always had gifts for everyone, and was kind, caring and thoughtful. She always believed and frequently said, "If you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all!" She loved spending time with family and was always there for her friends. She will be sadly missed, but forever remembered.

Diane is survived by her husband of 52 years, Douglas E. Willey, Jr., whom she met while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy. She was a caring wife and always at his side. Also surviving are her sons, Douglas E. Willey III, and David Nelson Willey of Tuckerton, a wonderful daughter-in-law, Marion Willey, and her grandchildren, Cody Steinhauer, Cheyenne Willey, and Shane Willey.

Diane was predeceased by her beloved grandson, Jacob Steinhauer. Diane leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She will be always missed but remain happily in our thoughts forever. May she rest in peace.

Funeral services were private and handled by Polhemus Cremation Services of West Creek, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, 1901 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.

For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.polhemuscremations.com

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