Mother Willie M. Broadnax

Willie Mae Gould was born on March 8, 1941, in Freddie Watts. Willie Mae accepted Christ in Helena. Arkansas to Caroline Williams and Freddie Watts. At an early age she accepted Christ and received her formal education in Arkansas.

She relocated from Arkansas to Cleveland, Ohio in 1961. Willie Mae was introduced to the love of her life. Lee Broadnax. Sr., by his brother. Charles Durden. Sr. Six months later, on August 20. 1963. they united in holy matrimony. To this union, they were blessed with eight children.

Willie Mae was ordained as a Deaconess with her husband, Lee Broadnax Sr.. on October 29, 2000, at Gethsemane Baptist Church.

She was employed at the Cleveland Board of Education, TSA OMAHA/Hopkins, Pritchard, Premiers LTV Steel (cleaning), and her most fulfilling job, was as a foster parent. Willie Mae was also the owner of a soul food restaurant. She loved music, dancing, cooking, and traveling. Willie Mae got great joy out of spending time with her children, talking and laughing together. She also loved her dog "Minnie Pearls".

Willie Mae was called from labor to reward on Saturday, December 24, 2022, to be with the Lord. She fought a good fight and has finished her course. She is no longer suffering and will always be in our hearts.

Willie Mae leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her precious memories, her husband. Lee Broadnax Sr.; three sons: Sylvester Watts. Larry Broadnax and Michael Broadnax (Denise); four daughters: Shelia Harris (Ronnie). Cherri Houser (Booker). Sabrina Colbert (Bryant) and Wendy Broadnax; 48 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren: six siblings: Barbara Jean Robbins. Duward Williams. Lloyd Williams. Edward Williams. Robert Williams (Helen) and Louise Washington; six "in-laws": Marie Banks. Charles Durden. Judy Johnson, Mary Jo Green. Tommy Smith, Jacqueline Smith (Tim); two favorite nephews: Napoleon Durden and Wydell Green. as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her mother: Caroline Williams: father: Freddie Watts: and son: Lee Broadnax. Jr.: brother: James Banks: sister: Eula Mae Williams and grandchildren: Cheresse Broadnax and Jamiel Matthews.

A public viewing will be on January 3, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street (off East 71st and Harvard), Cleveland, OH.  The Celebration Of Life Service will be held January 4, 2023, 10:00AM Wake and 11:00AM Service at the Gethsemane Baptist Church, 1885 E 79th St, Cleveland, OH. The interment will be at Cleveland Memorial Gardens, 4324 Green Road, Cleveland, OH.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Mother Broadnax's Tribute Wall.