Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1925
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Maude Ballou Obituary
Jackson - Maude Lerita Williams Ballou (September 13, 1925- August 26, 2019) was born in Fairfort, Alabama to Mary and Rev. Hillary Parker Williams. She was a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a BS degree in business.
Maude was a loving mother, secretary, educator and civil rights activist who helped launch the iconic Montgomery Bus Boycott with Dr. Martin Luther King, junior as his first personal secretary. Numerous historic civil rights era documents and letters bear her initials and signature in behalf of Dr. King.
She often referred to herself as a "southern belle" and loved the finer things in life.
But more importantly, she was a devout Christian who lived by the word of the Bible. She loved her family.
She took pride in mentoring young people; keeping them on the straight and narrow and picking them up when they fell in life. So many of her students came back to her over the years to thank her for being there for them and credit her with their success.
Maude Ballou is survived by her children, Joyce Ballou, Leonard Ballou, Jr (Nipaporn), Howard Ballou (Deborah) and Vicki Ballou Watts (the late Claude Watts) and 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings and former husband, Leonard Ballou, Sr.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Wells Memorial United Methodist Church with burial following in Jessamine Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Sebrell Funeral Home in Ridgeland and will resume at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
In memory of Maude Williams Ballou, make donations to: Foundation for MS History, P.O. Box 571, Jackson, MS 39205. http://www.mshistory.net/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Maude Ballou
Sponsored by Sebrell Funeral Home.
4 Entries
BLACXKCOBRA
January 26, 2023
Thank you for all your accolades thru life and great memories in history your highness
Linda Sagoe
October 27, 2019
My prayers are with you.
We worked together in the Gethsemane Enrichment After School Program . She was a loving and hardworking person. I missed her when she left Charlotte.
Owen Butler
September 5, 2019
My belated condolences to Howard and all the rest of Mrs Ballou's family. I had the considerable privilege of having her as my good friend and neighbor. She made a big contribution to the quality of life for us all. Rest in Peace, Mrs Ballou.
Ethel and Rev. Freddie L. Carson
September 2, 2019
Thank you so much for being that pathway for so many of us!! Sweet Rest unto you!!
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Maude Ballou's name
Memorial Events
for Maude Ballou
Sep
3
How to support Maude's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Maude Ballou's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
