Willa Mae Rathbone

Willa Mae Rathbone 80, of Waynesville went to her eternal home on August 11, 2025. A lifelong native of Haywood County was born on November 25, 1944, to the late James and Emma Mae Queen Barker. Also preceded in death by her grandparents John Riley Queen and Maddie Nations Queen. Her siblings Wanda, Ferbie, Jeanette, Geneva, Gladys, Ganon, Frelo, Earl and Richard along with two grandchild Whitney Earley and Casey Earley.

Willa was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She brought warmth and love to every part of her life. She had a passion for cooking, found joy in camping under the stars at Lake Chatuge, and delighted in collecting snowmen and feeding her hummingbirds each one a small reflection of her gentle spirit and cheerful heart. Her love, laughter, and traditions will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was member of Old Pathway Baptist Church.

Left to share her memories is her loving husband of 62 years James Rathbone. Her children Renea Earley (Steven), Richard Rathbone, Bobbie Jean Haney (Kenny) and Jason Rathbone. Grandchildren Joshua Rickman (Caroline), Jeremiah Rickman, Steven Rathbone, Amanda Sullivan, Christopher Haney, Camille Rathbone, Alexander Rathbone and Maddox Rathbone. And her great grandchildren Madison, Landry, Elloitt, and Witten Rickman, a brother Arlen Barker, including many nieces and nephews along with many friends that she loved dearly.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday August 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Smoky Mountain Cremations and Funeral Service in Maggie Valley. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. The Rev. Phillip Wyatt will officiate. Burial will be at Green Hill Cemetery in Waynesville, NC.

A special thanks to Advent Health, Haywood Hospice and Caeli Rathbone for all of the loving care that provided for Willa Mae.

Smoky Mountain Cremations and Funeral Service of Maggie Valley is caring for the family and the online register is available at www.smokymountaincremations.com