Willie Mae Brewer

Willie Mae Barton Brewer was born in the tight-knit community of Smithton on March 27, 1921 to the union of Hezekiah and Georgia Harris Barton. As the only child she taught early to share. Hebrews 13:16 best descibes the life she was taught to emulate; Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. While growing up in the Smithton Community she realized the value of family and friends. She attended the community school and was a member of the Church of God In Christ. She later became a member of Eastern Star Baptist Church where she served on the Mother’s board. It was there at Eastern Star that she learned the importance and power of prayer. She was a praying woman. Willie Mae married Bennie Mitchell and they were blessed with a baby girl they name Vera. As years passed she met Mr. McHenry Brewer and after an appropriate period of courtship they were married. The Lord added to their union George and Herman. Their union was also blessed with the birth of Mary, Maxine and Sylvester, Sr. Willie Mae was a stable housewife she was smart and ingenious. She learned from the land and possessed a strong work ethic. She was an impeccable housekeeper and mastered babysitting. In raising her children and caring for her husband cooking came naturally and with ease. She was a soul food “boiling pots” cooking type of woman. Her apple and German chocolate cake was an all time favorite. Beneath the sweet smile was a hearty heart. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by those she loved. She loved to laugh and share. There was no measure to the love she both gave and received. The Lord blessed her to love, laugh and live in this world for 93 years. On Saturday, October 11, 2014 she surrendered her soul, the most prized possession that she had. She was preceded in death by her step-sons, George and Herman Brewer, her husband McHenry Brewer, (1997), a grandson Ronnie Malone, Sr. and her daughter, Maxine Duncan (2011). Willie Mae was a gentle lady whose sweet and friendly smile will be forever missed. She truly modeled the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How can she ever be forgotten when so much of her lives in her children: Vera (Jerry) Malone of Indianapolis, IN, Mary Brewer of Little Rock, and Sylvester “Joe” Brewer, Sr., of Gurdon, AR; her son-in-law, Otis Duncan of Gurdon, AR; her grandchildren, Keith Malone, Darryl Malone, Michael (Pat) Malone, Tamera Bradley, Trela (Jerry) Rasdell, Kevin Brewer, Laphenetra (Corrie) Allen, Sylvester (Markita) Brewer, Jr., Latashia Duncan, Keon (Tamer) Brewer, Bryan Duncan, Dominic Brewer; thirty-one great-grandchildren and twenty-seven great-great grandchildren. She also leaves a number of cousins, the Stafford and Martin families, friends and the Eastern Star Baptist Church family. Public visitation will be Friday, October 17, 2014 from 12 noon until 7pm. The family will receive fr4inds from 6-7pm. Home going service will be shared on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 1pm at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Rev. Johnny Harris Pastor. Rev. Raymond Clayborn, Senior Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church of Royse, Texas will serve the eulogist. Interment will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery.