Mrs. Willie Mae Jones passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Funeral service will be held June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Bass Chapel United Methodist Church 5075 Bass Chapel Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455 Visitation 12:30 p.m.

Burial will be held at Lakeview Memorial Park 3600 N O.Henry Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27405.

Willie Mae Tatum Jones, born on July 23, 1928, in Summerfield, North Carolina, resided in the rural area of Guilford County, known as “Bass Chapel.” She fondly referred to it as “the garden spot of the world.”

The eldest of five children born to Jim Henry and Iula Tatum, Willie Mae grew up doing chores to help her younger siblings. She also helped out her mother with washing and ironing. Willie Mae loved spending time with her grandparents, and later she would help care for them as they became older. Unknowingly, this would prepare her for her most important lifelong role.

Educated in the Guilford County school system, Willie Mae graduated from Brown Summit High School in 1945 and was one of six students in her graduating class. Recently, she attended her high school’s 100th reunion celebration. After high school, Willie Mae attended A&T College, where she studied Secretarial Science.

In 1946, Willie Mae met the love of her life, Andrew Otis Jones. Their ceremony, held on June 29, 1947, at Bass Chapel Church, marked the first wedding in the newly renovated church. It is believed to have been the social event of the century. In 1948, the couple began their family of six children, Doris, Andrecia, Alfred, Peggy, Catherine, and Andrew, Jr. Raising such a large family had its challenges. Because of her strong belief in God, Willie Mae was up for the challenge.

Willie Mae and Andrew, apart from raising their family, relished traveling to various places across the United States. Although Willie Mae worked outside the home for a few short periods, her most significant roles were as a wife, mother, and homemaker. She loved her husband and nurtured her children. The children were encouraged to always strive for excellence and pursue a good education. She took immense pride in the fact that, through God’s grace, all of her children graduated from high school and went on to various colleges and universities.

Willie Mae ensured that her children attended Sunday School and church every Sunday. If someone claimed to be sick and couldn’t attend church, she would respond with, “Well, let’s go and have Pastor pray for you.” During these years Willie Mae developed a strong prayer life and became a prayer warrior, praying fervently for her family and others. She always believed that prayer has the power to bring about change. Willie Mae, being a true worshipper, could often be heard praising God, while singing hymns along with the Gaithers, and various artists. Some of her old favorites were “Because He Lives,” “It Is Well with My Soul,” and “Rock of Ages.”

Over the years, as life would have it, Willie Mae faced some difficult times. After 49 years and nine months of marriage to Andrew Otis Jones, Sr., Willie Mae lost her husband to cancer. Equally difficult was the loss of her eldest son, Alfred Henry Jones, and her second eldest daughter, Willie Andrecia Jones McAdoo.

Despite the challenges she faced, Willie Mae’s life was filled with immense joy, including the blessings of six children, eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandson.

Willie Mae was an active lifelong member of Bass Chapel United Methodist Church. Her unwavering devotion to serving God and others led her to become a leader of the Older Adult Ministry for many years. In addition to her leadership role, she actively participated in Sunday/Monday School, rarely missing a session. She was also a member of the United Women in Faith, the Trustee Board, Communion Steward, and Church Historian.

Some of her community and civic engagements included collaborating with the Guilford County Board of Elections, volunteering at the Senior Resource Center of Greensboro, serving as PLLR, Greensboro Assembly No. 106, Order of the Golden Circle, PHA; Past Worthy Matron, Magnolia Chapter No. 23, of the Eastern Star, PHA; and Vice President in the Sunflower Support Group.

Willie Mae, renowned for her eloquent speech, was frequently invited to address organizations on diverse topics and successfully hosted numerous programs. When it came to delivering words of encouragement to groups or individuals, she is widely regarded as the go-to person, with the saying, “Willie Mae can do it.” Her passion for poetry was evident in her extensive knowledge of poems for every occasion or situation. She also committed to memory many chapters and verses of the Bible.

At the age of 97, Willie Mae continued to have a healthy thirst for knowledge. She would read the newspaper daily, watch several news casts, enjoy her magazine subscriptions, and solve crossword puzzles. Additionally, she would read her Bible daily. She remained resilient in mind, spirit, and love. In her later years, Willie Mae acquired the skills to use a laptop, iPad, and smartphone. She maintained connections with her family and friends through Facebook.

Willie Mae, a devoted Christian, cherished Christmas. She eagerly anticipated the celebration of Christ’s birth, expressing love and generosity to others. Every year, she ensured that each family member received a thoughtful gift, and she extended her generosity to all who visited during the holiday season. The festive decorations and joyful songs of the season were integral to the joyous celebration.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory daughters, Doris Jean Jessup, Peggy Lynn Hill (Quinton), and Catherine LaVerne Jones; one son, Andrew Otis Jones, Jr. (Monica); eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Darius, Sr.), Brian, Bronson (Sigmora), Michael, Nicholas, Ian, Terrell, and Kristina (Phillip); five great-grandchildren, Michaiah, Darius, II, Joshua, Bronson, Jr., and Seth; one great-great-grandson, Isaiah; one brother, Lawrence Odell Tatum (Mary); one sister, Patricia VanEaton; and a host of other relatives and friends.