Dear Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother Willie Mae McGriff sadly passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 88 years old. She was always a dependable mother who was there when we needed her the most, offering support, encouragement, and love in an unbreakable bond. Willie Mae received her education in Miami, Florida, in the section of Miami known as Colored Town, from Booker T. Washington Senior High School, founded in 1926 as the first high school to host and attend blacks. The school had to reschedule the opening of its doors to students until March of 1927 due to a bombing. She was a strong, dependable, and hard worker at what was known then as the Miami Laundry, making sure she kept a roof over her children's heads and kept food on the table.

Willie Mae accepted Jesus Christ in her early years and was faithful ever since. She felt that the heart of Christianity lied not in attendance records but in a sincere, thriving faith. Mother believed that Christianity isn't just confined to the four walls of a building but that it was something that one should live and experience in the way they love and treat others. The key is to maintain a strong relationship with God and live out His teachings in one's everyday life.

Before COVID-19, Willie Mae was an active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. After COVID-19, the realization of active attendance was not possible. Willie Mae McGriff was one of the sweetest, kindest people you would ever want to meet; she never met a stranger and loved everyone. If you needed a place to lay your head or a place to stay, Willie Mae's doors were always open. If you knew Willie Mae and were homeless, you were not for long. She would always offer you a place to stay and time leaving was never a factor (stay as long as you needed).

Willie Mae was not only a protector, our role model, and our best friend, she also cared deeply for her family and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help. She always ensured that every child who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, and happy. We were so lucky and fortunate to have had her by our side, cheering us on through life lessons. Our mother was a superhero who always put the needs of others, especially her children, first. Our mother was the foundation for all our wonderful childhood memories and has set the path for us to follow in mothering our children. 

Many may say they have or had a wonderful mother, yet this held true for our mother, Willie Mae. Always caring and nurturing to all she knew, her wisdom and love were always in abundance as she shared her thoughts and gave advice from the perspective of a life well-lived. She was a cherished member of her community as well as her neighborhood, in Miami Gardens. Our mom left a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and strength.

Surrounded by her loving family and friends in her final moments, she was a woman of immense humor and gentle strength, always cherishing every moment spent with her loved ones. Her passion was for reading the Bible while focusing on making the world a brighter place. Her unwavering spirit will forever be remembered. Willie Mae walked through life touching the lives of everyone she encountered with an unforgettable grace. Willie Mae found beauty in life's simple moments and was always encouraging us all to do the same "keep it simple." Willie Mae fought her battle against cancer for two and a half years. Despite spending much of that time in and out of the hospital, she never lost her sense of joy or never became bitter. Throughout her entire journey, she would always be grateful for all the assistants that were given to her by her family, friends and the care providers. Knowing when to have an attitude of gratitude was one of Willie Mae's number one sayings.

Willie Mae was born to the late Nathaniel Belemond and Lizzie-Jane (AKA "Elizabeth") Belemond of Abbeville, Georgia, on March 4, 1937. Willie Mae had four brothers and sisters, brothers, Jimmie and Joe Jordan of Macon, Georgia, who preceded her in death, sister, Mary Vickers of Miami, Florida, who preceded her in death, and one surviving sister, Anne Knight of Moncticello, New York. Willie Mae was blessed to have four beautiful children, sons, Carl (Glenda) and the late Anthony (Gloria), and daughters, Darlene (the late Kenneth Hodges) and Pamela. Willie Mae leaves behind a host of grandchildren, from son Carl, D. I., Glen, Michelle, and Winston, and from son, Anthony, Cashe', Javante (Tasha), Anthony Jr., Travis, Brianna, and Antonio, from daughter Darlene, Keith M. Ingram, Jr., and from daughter Pamela, Cierra, Cohen, and Sade E.; great-grandchild, Journey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and step-grandchildren.

Thank you, Mama, for showing the world how to be a strong, nurturing woman, and more importantly, for all the love.