Willie Mae Harrison, 90 of Grove Hill, AL., died April 27, 2017 at Fellowship Home in Valdosta, GA. She was born in the Chilton Community on September 20, 1926 to Ellis and Nellie White and raised by her grandparents, Charles and Vicy White.
Upon graduation from Clarke County High School, she worked at the Mobile shipyard as a riveter, building ships during World War II. After the war, she married her community sweetheart, Bealie Harrison upon his return from his military service. Willie Mae was always content as wife and mother, helping her family and neighbors. She loved her flowers, sharing the bounty of their vegetable garden and fishing in her catfish pond. She was a faithful helper on the farm and in Chilton Baptist Church. She cared for her grandfather in his last years as he lived with her family.
During the forty years in the ministry, she was a constant help mate, singing in the church choir and the family quartet, serving in women’s groups or ministering quietly at her kitchen table. She could fill a table with delicious food on short notice and her gift of hospitality was always felt in their home. Even in her struggle with Alzheimers, she never lost her sweet spirit.
Survivors include her daughter, Ann (Jimmy) Whatley of Valdosta, GA; son Eric (Sonya) Harrison of Mobile, AL; and daughter-in-law Cheryl H. Wright of Grove Hill, AL. Grandchildren: Rita H. Williams, Arkansas; Keith (Mike Dorris) Harrison, Birmingham, AL; Darla H. (Chris) Burbank, Vestavia, AL; Wendy W. (Francois) Fineberg, Dadeville, AL; Wesley Whatley, New York City, NY; Jennifer Harrison & Lance Harrison of Mobile, AL; and five great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Leona H. Hutto, Grove Hill, AL.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Rev. Bealie Harrison, parents, grandparents, three children, Rita, Rebecca, and Eddie Harrison, brother Elvin White (Kitty), and beloved sisters/brothers-in-laws, aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 1, 2017, 11:00 am in the chapel of O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home, Thomasville, AL., with visitation at 10:00 am. Rev. Leon Harrison and Rev. William Gibbons will officiate. Burial will be at Smith Cemetery in the Chilton Community.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that gifts be made to Chilton Baptist Church, 6365 Chilton Road, Grove Hill, AL 36451.
The family would like to express our love and appreciation to the caregivers of Fellowship Home for the unselfish, dedicated care to both our parents.
Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Thomasville, AL
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