Willie Mae Young

Willie Mae Young, who was affectionately known as “Ms. Willie, Queen or Tea Cake, was born on April 21, 1928 to the union of William and Mattie Lee Steele in Houston, Mississippi. She departed this life on Sunday December 10, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.

On May 25, 1948 Willie Mae was united in Holy Matrimony to Homer Young. They were happily married for 53 years. To this union 5 children were born.

As a child she united with Hopewell A. M. E. Zion Church in Houston, Mississippi. After moving to Oak Ridge, Tennessee she united with Spurgeon Chapel A. M. E. Zion Church under the pastorate of Rev. George W. Maize. Sr. She was a person who’s faith in God never wavered. She was always on time for church service and served faithfully until her health begin to fail. She served Spurgeon Chapel as a deaconess, devoted member of Stovall Circle, the Senior Choir and was a member of the Guiding Light Circle. She loved the Lord.

She wasn’t a stranger to anyone and her door was always open to everyone that came by. She welcomed many in the community who would partake of her exquisite meals, baking of numerous desserts and homemade ice cream. She was a mother who was compassionate to her children despite the many mistakes we as young adults would make.

Her hobbies were numerous; she loved to cook, enjoyed canning, gardening and attending to her flowers. When it came to her flowers she would always tell you she had a green thumb.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Homer Young, daughter Janice Kaye Scott, granddaughter Gwendolyn Annette Young, grandson Robert Earl Smith, brothers, A.C. Mims, Finas Mims, Fredrick Mims, Early Mims, Hugh Steele, Bobby Steele and Jerry Steele, sisters Clara Payne and Rowena Atkinson.

Willie Mae leaves to mourn and cherish her fond memories, daughters Clara (David) Geter Oak Ridge, Willie Jean (Jimmy) Robertson, Lisa Ann (Steve) Lattimore all of Knoxville, one son Homer Young (Patricia Riley) Erie, PA, sister Louise Mills of Oak Ridge, sister in laws Yvonne Mims, Mary Frank Steele, Dorothye Steele Patterson of Oak Ridge, Cornelia Steele of Erie PA., Sarah Jane Young of Osceola Arkansas and Mae Lee Harrell of Halls TN., nine grandchildren, one step granddaughter; Stephanie (Bill) Bailey of Knoxville, Rhonda Scott of Knoxville, Ronnie (Danielle) Scott, Tacita Scott, Tori Scott and Erin Young of Oak Ridge, Vanessa (Dreddrick) Brown of Fredericksburg VA,  Teresa (Warren) Russell of Murfreesboro TN, Nancy (Anthony) White of Cincinnati Ohio, step granddaughter Michelle Robertson, Atlanta, GA and twenty four great grandchildren and sixteen great, great grandchildren; Special niece Wanda Sue Jones, Special Friends Alice Pettus, Alma Stevens, Angela Stevens and Bethina Porter and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to name. We would like to thank the staff with Amedisys Hospice services for their love and support with our mother.

Friday December 15, 2017, the body may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Spurgeon Chapel AME Zion Church, 100 Houston Avenue, Oak Ridge.  Saturday, December 16  the family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. with a Homegoing Celebration to follow at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 195 Wilberforce Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN.  Reverend Churchill Moore, officiant and Reverend Derrick Hammonds, eulogist.  Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park where a white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the service.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com

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