Willie Mae McCoy

Willie Mae McCoy, born August 7, 1946 in Columbus, MS to the union of late Atri James Everson, Sr. and late Bertha Bobo Everson. She was the sixth of eleven children. She joined our Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 14, 2021 (Love Day) for which she loved so many and so many loved her. Willie Mae attended R. E. Hunt High School in Columbus, MS. After high school, she attended Alcorn State University in MS, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education. She moved to St. Louis, MO in 1968 and was married to Willie James McCoy. In this union, two children were born, Marlon B. McCoy and Courtney A. McCoy. She started her illustrious teaching career at a Catholic High School but quickly transitioned to Normandy High School for a wonderful 30+ year career journey. Early in her career, Willie Mae returned to college at the University of Missouri – Columbia (Mizzou), where she earned her Master’s Plus degree in Secondary Education. Willie Mae loved her job, teaching and working with all her students in Home Economics, where she was known for her brilliant work in the culinary arts program, sewing/fashion and the all-around teaching of valuable life skills. She was a member of the Black Women of Today club and several co-worker luncheon groups. Mae, what her soul mate Houston L. Rufus “Moosie” called her, met in 1987 and she never second guessed their love. While her family was already big, she gained even more family and loving people to share her heart and generosity with. Her loving spirit and cherished memories will live on for many generations. This is a true testament to a life well lived and loved and she will be missed by so many. Willie Mae leaves to cherish her memory: two sons ~ Marlon (Pam) McCoy, Courtney (Nicole) McCoy; her soul mate ~ Houston L. Rufus; children in love ~ Gregg Miller, Sr., Allison Miller, Ashaki (Jonathan) Lee; grandchildren ~ Tyre Grannemann, Kennedy Wedgeworth, Serenity Willis, Alan McCoy, Cameron McCoy, Nigel McCoy; siblings ~ Pleas (Dorothy) Everson, William Everson, Freddie (Juanita) Everson, Jerry (Gloria) Everson, Edna (Robert) Gandy, Daphne (Bernie) Stewart; best friends ~ Thelma Talton (Stacy (Keith) Taylor and Mal Talton), Bertha Downing (Victoria Downing and Lisa (Darren) Smotherson); and a host of nieces, nephews, family, club members and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; siblings – Shepherd (Willette) Everson, Sr., Henry (Carlyn) Everson, Atri “June” (Bertha) Everson, Jr., Mary (Otis) Tubbs.

Tributes

Willie Mae McCoy

August 7, 1946 - February 14, 2021