Dale Curtis Brannon Willman
Dale Curtis Brannon Willman, known to all as Dale, was born on Jan. 2, 1951, in Washington, D.C., and passed away on April 25, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, after a courageous battle with cancer. She lived a life that was loving, generous and gentle, and she left behind a legacy that will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.
Dale moved through this world with a tender grace and kindness seemed to rest upon her face. She carried warmth in every word she spoke and even the quietest moment felt like a hopeful stroke. Her spirit was steady, her heart was wide and love was the current that carried her pride. She gave of herself in ways both small and grand and many were lifted by her caring hand.
She completed a high school education and then set forth to serve with heart and soul. In her adult years, she devoted much of her life to running a daycare, a calling that suited her beautifully and whole. Dale loved children and children loved her in return, for in her gentle presence they could laugh, grow and learn. She offered comfort, patience and a safe embrace, and she made each young life a brighter place. Her work was more than a job or a daily task, for it was a ministry of love that asked no mask.
Outside of work, Dale found joy in simple things, in the kind of peace that a grateful heart brings. She loved working in her yard and spending time outdoors, where honest days could feel like gifts and hours. She enjoyed fresh fish and the pleasure of a good meal and she cherished the comfort that shared moments reveal. More than anything, she treasured her friends and family near, for their laughter and presence were precious to her ear. In every gathering, she brought a calm delight and her gentle nature made ordinary days feel bright.
Dale was the beloved mother of Kimberly Willman and Brandon Willman, and her love for them was deep and true. She was also a proud grandmother and her heart expanded with each new view. Alana Kolek, Kevin Burkey Jr., Amelia Burkey, Julia Houser, Jackson Houser, Joel Houser, Laurel Willman and Charlotte Willman were each blessed by her care, and in her heart, their names were always there. She celebrated their lives with quiet pride and she stood beside them with love as a faithful guide. Her family was the center of her world and to them she gave a steady light, warm and unfurled.
Those who knew Dale will remember her as a woman of gentle strength, whose kindness reached great length. She did not seek applause or a grand display, for she lived her values in a humble, faithful way. Her generosity flowed like a river that never ran dry and her loving heart lifted others high. She had a way of making people feel seen and her gentle presence made hard days serene. In her company, burdens felt lighter to bear, because she met each soul with sincere care.
Though cancer brought an end to her earthly day, it could not take the love she gave away. Her life remains a melody, soft and kind, a treasured echo in the hearts she leaves behind. The lessons she taught through patience and grace will continue to shine in every familiar place. She showed that a life well lived is one filled with care, with laughter, with service and with love everywhere.
Now Dale rests in peace, beyond the reach of pain, where gentle hearts are welcomed and love remains. Her memory will be carried by family and friends, and the beauty of her life will not soon end. She will be missed in countless ways, through quiet evenings and sunlit days.
Yet even in sorrow, her spirit will stay, a loving reminder that light does not fade away. May she be remembered with gratitude and song, for a life so kind and tender and so beautifully strong.
The family will be holding a celebration of life at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
