Ms. Willie Mae Philyaw
On August 10, 1920, Willie Mae Cunningham Philyaw was born in Conecuh County, Alabama to Eliajah and Rosa Lee Cunningham. On the evening of October 2, 2013, her sweet spirit went home to God, who made her, and now she is resting in His Kingdom. We will miss her, but we celebrate her homegoing to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Mrs. Willie Mae confessed Christ at an early age uniting with the Jerusalem No. 1 Baptist Church. She was faithful, dedicated, devoted, and loyal to her church until her health would no longer allow. She served in many capacities in the church. She enjoyed serving as a Sunday School teach, church treasurer, deaconess, and trustee board member. She was a true servant as her life was dedicated to helping others.
She received her education from the Conecuh County School system, where she received her diploma. She completed several classes in Christian Education and Theology from Selma University. She was also a member of Sojourner Truth #507.
She was married to Deacon Willie Philyaw Sr. who preceded her in death. The Lord blessed them with eight loving children; four daughters; Annie Lois Allen, Decatur, Georgia, Betty (William) Shaw, Wyandanch, New York, Louise Barr, Miami, Florida and Juanita Gillespie who preceded her in death. Four sons: Willie Philyaw Jr., who preceded her in death, John Philyaw, Montgomery, Alabama, Charles Philyaw, Evergreen, Alabama, and Larry (Callie) Philyaw, Montgomery, Alabama. She raised a cousin as her son after the death of his father, Jonathan Gregory Floyd, Long Beach, California. Twenty-two (22) grandchildren, one (Talmus Philyaw) preceded her in death. Thirty-eight (38) great-grandchildren; six (6) great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rosa Belle Darden, Pennsauken, New Jersey, Vinnie Finklea, Evergreen, Alabama, and Sara (Floyd) Watts, Highland, California; one sister-in-law, Lula D. Finklea, Evergreen, Alabama and many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family of Mrs. Willie Mae Cunningham Philyaw wishes to offer their deepest thanks and a heartfelt appreciation for every act of kindness and thoughts shown during the death of our loved one. The love, thoughtfulness, and prayers provided spiritual strength. May God’s richest blessings be yours.
- The Family
Presley-Fluker
Thank you for your love, patience and $2 bills. We all felt special when we were in your presence. I get so tickled when I think about all the grandchildren talking about your nicknames for us. Turns out we were all "grandma's doll." LOL! Because of you, we are. Thank you. Rest in peace sweet grandma.