Willie Mae McCoy's Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Willie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Willie?
Share a story where Willie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Willie you’ll never forget.
How did Willie make you smile?