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Mary Willie Obituary

Mary C. Willie PORTSMOUTH - Mrs. Mary Coleman Willie was born out of the love of Emory and Essie Coleman in Cartersville, Ga. She transitioned peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 to her eternal rest. She was educated in the public schools of Atlanta, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. After graduation, Mary attended Clark College where she received her BA degree in elementary education. Her sister, Vyvyan Coleman Pritchard, introduced her to the love of her life Dr. James O. Willie. They said "I Do" on April 24, 1954 in Detroit, during his residency in OB-GYN at Wayne State University. Together they lived a wonderful and loving life. During their 57 years of marriage, they nurtured a large extended family of young people from Virginia to Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. She always shared joy and encouragement to all with whom she came in contact. Mary leaves to cherish her precious memory a committed and devoted husband, James O. Willie; brother- in-law, Charles Willie (Lois) of Houston, Texas; sister- in-law, Gwendolyn Coleman; and numerous nieces, nephew, great-nieces and -nephews and friends. The funeral will take place Friday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 928 Effingham St., Portsmouth. Viewing will be Thursday, Oct. 7, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Riddick Funeral Service, 1225 Norview Ave., Norfolk. A memorial service will take place Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 5, 2010.

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Betty Holmes

October 30, 2010

Dear Dr. Willie and Family, we were sorry to hear of the loss of your wife and loved one, Mrs. Mary Willie. We are sorry we did not know in time to be there for and with you, my children, grandchildren and I thought a lot of Mrs. Willie and you, Dr. Willie. You have our deepest sympathy, condolences, blessings and prayers. We remember interacting with the both of you for the entire 29 years we lived as your neighbors. We have often talked about the good times we had with you. We still love you, but remember God had something else for Mary to do, He does not make any mistakes. We pray that God will keep you strong as you go through the new design in your life. He does not put more on us than we can bear. With much love and Peace! Betty B. Holmes: Edina K., Klaudette, Jerette, Billy and Jerry: Jerome, Shyla, Randy and Rannette (Erdenheim, PA)

Helen Tugbang

October 10, 2010

Dr. Willie, my whole family and I are extending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will always keep you in our prayers. May our Lord keep you strong and continue to bless you. We all loved Mrs. Mary and we will always care and love you. I am terribly sorry because I just found out last night about her passing . From Ruby and Helen Tugbang

Linda Smith

October 7, 2010

Dr. James Willie, family, and friends my thoughts and prayers are with you all and may God continue to bless and guide you! In my years of being under the care of Dr. Willie and seeing the two at various venues, I could see the love,kindness,and respect they possessed for one another as well as for those who were lucky enough to become part of their extended family! I applaude her for being the woman who appeared to have the strength that I would like to exhibit.

James Overton

October 7, 2010

Dr Willie and Family, You and Mrs. Willie have been friends of my family for as long as I can remember, and we sure will miss Mrs. Willies' smile and kindness. May God Bless you during these times. James A. Overton, Jr. & Benee Overton.

cheryl willie

October 6, 2010

I remember spending time with you during the summers when I was growing up and watching you dance so gracefully. I always loved you.

Karen Yancey

October 5, 2010

Dr. Willie, Mother and I are keeping you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.

Joyce and Karen Yancey

Patricia London

October 5, 2010

Dr. Willie and family, it saddens me to hear of Mrs. Willie's passing. She was such a tremendous person and role model for me when we lived in Portsmouth! She was such an uplifting person, and her encouragement kept me going through difficult times. May God richly bless Dr. Willie and the Willie family.

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