Willie Mae has gone home.

Willie Mae Johnson has gone home.

Dawn: March 8, 1944
Born: Bellville, TX
Parents: John Wesley and Sadie Yancy
Education: Austin County High School
& Franklin Beuty School
Church: Fountain of Praise and Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Employment: Vanity Salon
Dusk: June 20, 2011


Willie Mae's life was celebrated on Friday, June 24, 2011 by family, friends, and co-workers.   The First Elizabeth Baptist Church, 5054 Mallow Street, Houston, Texas 77033 was full of people who loved her on a hot and humid day.  Willie's brother, the Reverend William Yancy officiated.

Reverend Yancy, the youngest brother, spoke of how nothing lasts forever and we should all be ready for the inevitable.  He knew that Willie was ready as they shared a hug in the hospital.

Willie's oldest brother spoke of Willie's strong will.  When Willie decided she wanted a big screen TV, she went out and got a big screen TV.  When she decided her Dad's belt had worn out its welcome administering family discipline she said that belt was going to go and it did.  When her brother received a failing grade in school, Willie went to see the teacher and when she left he had a C.

Those of us who knew Willie from our encounters at Vanity Salon were able to fill in some of our blanks around Willie's life.  We knew she was a strong woman and we knew she was a pillar of strength supporting her children and grandchildren.  I think we learned that she was loved by many in a community of strong faith and belief.  She was loved by her co-workers and clients who came to say good-bye.  A large contingent of Willie's classmates from Austin County High School attended about fifty years past graduation which is amazing.

Willie Mae is happy.  She brought a lot of people together to celebrate her life.  We are all different and we are all the same.  And we all loved Willie Mae!