03/30/2026
Willie Mae Turner
Willie Mae Turner, a beloved mother, grandmother, and community pillar, was born on August 15, 1937, in Water Valley, Mississippi. She peacefully transitioned from this life on March 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Willie Mae graduated from Davidson High School and dedicated her professional life as a seamstress at Big Yank Manufacturing, where she devoted 29 years of her talent and skill. As an artist of fabric, she lovingly sewed countless clothes for her children, demonstrating her nurturing spirit through her craft.
Her commitment to her faith was evident in her active role at her church, where she served as a church mother, usher, choir member, and Sunday school instructor. Moreover, Willie Mae was a co-founder of the church’s prayer ministry and devoted her heart and time to providing elder care in the community, embodying the very essence of service and compassion.
Willie Mae's zest for life extended beyond her church and family; she enjoyed the beauty of flower gardening, scrap booking, and traveling the world. Throughout her journeys, she experienced the rich cultures of Germany, France, Alaska, the Bahamas, and many historical sites across the United States, creating lasting memories along the way.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her children from her marriage to Sherman White, Sr., Sherman (Wyanda) White, Jr., Leon White, Wesley “DeDe” White, and DeMarc (Debra) White; daughters Brenda White, Sheila (Larry) McNeal and Melonie (Rodney) Anthony; her step-children to her marriage to James Turner, James Turner, Jr., and Lucy Polk; siblings, Cordia Taliaferro, and Fannie Brown; eight grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
Willie Mae’s life will be celebrated during a Wake on April 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held on April 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Bayson Chapel. As we gather to honor her memory, we remember her unwavering love, commitment to service, and the joyful legacy she leaves behind.
She will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Willie was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Wesley Jefferson, Louella Phillips Jefferson; seven siblings, Sammie Jefferson, Hattie Heard, John Jefferson, Annie Lee Turner, A.T. Jefferson, Herman Jefferson, and James Heard; one grandchild, Natasha Nicole Woodard; and one step-son, Raynard Turner; and one step-daughter, Charlene Hervey.
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