Willie Mae Leggett

Willie Mae Smith Leggett, daughter of the late Arthur and Bessie Tillery Smith, was born on January 8, 1923, in Tillery, North Carolina and departed this quietly on March 2, 2012, at her home in Pikesville, Maryland. Willie was one of nine children. She was affectionately called “Mae” by her parents and “Sister” by her brothers. At an early age, she was baptized at Tillery Chapel Baptist Church. Willie graduated from Brawley High School in Scotland Neck, NC (Halifax County) and later secured a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Fayetteville State Teachers College. On April 17, 1949, Willie married her college sweetheart Charlie Leggett of Maxton, NC, who in 2007 preceded her in death. From this union four children were born: Malcolm Wayne, Vincent Omar, Belinda Omega, and Alicia Charlene. She was also blessed with two additional daughters, Nellie Smith and Patricia Wells, both of North Carolina. Charlie and Willie migrated from North Carolina to Baltimore in the early 1950’s. Her teaching career began in Easton, MD and in 1960 she became a Special Educator in Baltimore City Public Schools. After 30 years of service Willie retired in 1985. Willie joined Eastern United Method Church, under the leadership of Rev. Daniel McLellan. She was a faithful member and served on the Usher Board. Staff Parrish Methodist Women. Willie loved her church and out of that adoration she hosted her mother’s 100th birthday celebration there. Many wonderful bonds of friendship were created at Eastern. Her faith and belief in God was such an integral part of Willie. It is the same faith and belief that was passed down to her and she lovingly passed down to her children and grandchildren. She could be heard singing or humming some of her favorite hymns such as “How Great Thou Art” or “Blessed Assurance” or reading passages from the Holy Bible; her favorite scripture was Psalm 23. Willie wasn’t ashamed of her faith as she would tell her children, “I’m not worried because I know God is in control”. As long as can be remembered (and she was able), her children would see her get down on her knees and pray to our Father God before she climbed into bed to slumber. Willie possessed a spirit of generosity mixed with “southern hospitality” by opening her home and heart to those who needed it- offering whatever she had. She, along with Charlie would push and support their children and grandchildren to be their best and take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to them. They would then watch with pride and celebrate as they succeeded and accomplished many goals. You could count on her to save every newspaper clipping, graduation program, or ceremony program where one of her own was “featured”. She would tell her children to enjoy life to the fullest because she surely did. She would often say, “Put God first.” One of Willie’s greatest passions was that of her family. Together, Mommy and Daddy loved family gatherings and enjoyed watching the interactions of the many generations. Willie demonstrated a special gift of caring for others, including her aging mother and her Aunt Charlotte in Washington, D.C. her love for family promoted her to cofound the launching of the Smith Family Network, which was her way of keeping the family close and carrying on the rich legacy. She served as Chairperson of the Board for many years. We knew we could call on Mommy at any hour of the day or night, except between 7and 8 p.m. when Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were on. Another admiration of Willie’s was traveling. Willie and Charlie along with family and friends, enjoyed a number of travels throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. She even had the opportunity of a lifetime to visit The Holy Land with other members of Eastern UMC. Willie, however, always loved to return to her home place of Tillery. That passion was just another attribute passed on to her offspring. Preceding her in death, husband of fifty-eight years, Charlie; seven siblings: James, Ralph, Oliver, Annie Mae, Alvin, Roosevelt, and Luther; one grandson, Torrey; and special God-daughter, Pamela Smith Whitaker. Willie leaves to cherish her memory: six children, Malcolm (Angela), Vincent (Aldena), Belinda, Alicia (Aaron), Nellie Smith and Patricia Wells; one brother, Theodore Smith (Gemera), and a host of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other family members and many faithful friends.

Tributes

Willie Mae Leggett

January 8, 1923 - March 2, 2012