Willie Mae McCracken

Willie Mae McCracken, 84, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025. She was born on May 19, 1941, in Colerain, North Carolina, to the late William Hardy Bowen and Mary Elizabeth Smith.

Willie Mae dedicated her life to nursing and the care of others. A graduate of Colerain High School in Colerain, NC, she went on to earn her nursing degree from Park View School of Nursing in Rocky Mount, NC. She began her career at Williamsburg Community Hospital in 1961, where she worked in the Emergency Room before advancing to Supervisor, Director of Nursing, and ultimately retiring in 1996 as Vice President of Nursing. Even after retirement, her compassion and leadership continued as she worked in home health care and assisted living. She later shared her knowledge with the next generation of nurses, serving as a Teacher for the nursing program at ECPI for 15 years.

In addition to her career, Willie Mae was deeply committed to her community. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church for more than 30 years and an active member of Soroptimist International, Williamsburg Chapter, for 47 years, where she also served two years as Regional Governor. She was a former member of the Red Hat Club and gave generously of her time and energy to causes close to her heart, especially the education and mentorship of young women.

Her hobbies reflected her creativity and love for life-she enjoyed cross-stitch, collecting dolls, thimbles, and bells, and treasured quality time with her family. She also loved attending concerts at Busch Gardens, traveling with friends, and cheering for basketball, a sport she once played in high school.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wayne McCracken Sr.; her parents, William Hardy Bowen and Mary Elizabeth Smith; and her daughter, Karen McCracken-Hill. She is survived by her children: Kimberly Greenholtz (Preston) of Overton, Texas; Ralph McCracken Jr. (Patty) of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; and Jeffrey McCracken (Tammy) of Lanexa, Virginia; her sister, Sara Dyson of Ormond Beach, Florida; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and many other beloved family members, friends, colleagues, and travel companions. She also leaves behind her cherished cat, Rambo.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM at Grace Baptist Church, 1013 Penniman Road, Williamsburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soroptimist International of Williamsburg Scholarship Account, in memory of Willie Mae.