Johnnie Mae Wills

Sunrise: August 14, 1929      Sunset: Sunday, April 30, 2017

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies"

Johnnie Mae Daniels "Mae Mae" was born in Ragland, Alabama on August 14, 1929 to the union of Mr. Jim and Katie Daniels. At the tender age of 18 months old, her parents passed away, leaving her in the care of Leonard and Illa Thomas. During her high school years, she played girls basketball at Ragland High School with her cousins and friends, Ms. Emma High [Yarbrough], Maude Rogers, Willie Pearl Woods "Aunt Bill", and Pauline Stokes [Kelly].

"The heart of her husband trusts in her"

Cecil Morris Wills laid eyes on Johnnie Mae Daniels and he knew at that point, he had to have her. On May 29, 1948, their union of love began. To that union was born five beautiful children; Brendalyn Joyce, Thaddeus LaMorris, Delpra Marquetta, Gabriella Ganiece, and Therman Jerome Wills, all of Lansing, MI.

"She worked willingly with her hands"

Johnnie Mae was a woman of many hats that reared her children in the fear of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Providing home cooked nourishing meals for her beloved husband, children, cousins, friends and the community was a high priority. Nonetheless, when asked how to prepare a dish she would refer to her measurement system of, "a pinch of this and a dash of that", to create a masterpiece. She enjoyed playing piano from her piano book, singing, sewing, upholstery, crocheting, knitting, gardening and spending time with her family.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue"

Johnnie Mae received Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior at an early age, which provided the foundation of her unwavering faith in God. She was a devout member of Union Missionary Baptist Church where she served in vacation bible school and as a member of the choir, where she was known for singing "Walk on by Faith". She passed her love for singing and working with her hands on to her children and her children's children.

"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all"

Johnnie Mae peacefully went home to be with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 11:08am. She was preceded in death by: her loving husband of 59 years, Cecil Morris Wills. She is survived by: her five children, Brendalyn Joyce Wills, Thaddeus LaMorris (Pinkie) Wills, Delpra Marquetta (Robert) Stewart, Gabriella Ganiece Wills, and Therman Jerome (Brenda) Wills, all of Lansing, MI; two God-daughters, Rosie Mae Looney of Lansing, MI and Tonia Yarbrough (Rickey) Washington of Odenville, AL; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

"Give her of the fruit of her hands"

Her daughter, Brendalyn Wills, lovingly cared for her the last 12 years of her life. Johnnie Mae's children pulled together to give love and support for her through the years and as her health began to fade. The family gives special thanks to Great Lakes Hospice and First Light Home Health Care.

"And let her works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:31