Willie Stalks

Willie Mae Weeams Stalks was born on December 23, 1915, in Marianna, Arkansas to her parents, Samuel Weeams and Ophelia Ball Weeams. She was the eighth child of thirteen children born in the family. She was raised surrounded by her siblings, Louise, Alberta, Joe, Callie, Catheron, Mary, Abnatha, Roberta, Nonia Mae, Ural, A.L. and Gladies. She received her early education by attending the public schools in Lee County. Willie Mae united in holy matrimony to Leroy Green, Sr. in Marianne, Arkansas. They first met when they both were in grade school. To this union, Leroy, Jr., Mary, Pearl, Ophelia and Annie Mae were born. In 1942, the family relocated to Denver, Colorado and it was there the youngest daughter, Annie Mae was born. The family shared many happy moments together. She later wed, John Stalks in Denver, Colorado. It was her move that encouraged a number of her siblings to relocate to Denver and make it home. She was later blessed with 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 26 great-great grandchildren, who were an additional source of joy and pride in her life. Willie Mae's first employer was Jess and Lill's Restaurant, where she worked as a Cook. She later became employed by Fitzsimmons Army Hospital as a Cook. She remained with them until Fitzsimmons later closed. She then started working for the State Home and Training School. She retired after 15 years. Wherever she worked, Willie Mae was hard-working, dedicated and dependable. Many times over the years being employed, she worked two jobs to provide for her family. She inherently believed that everyone should be able to work and earn in that they might be able to provide for the family and be able to own property. She passed this wisdom and knowledge to all her family. She was the primary care giver for all five of her children and did so without outside assistance. A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Willie Mae joined Central Baptist Church in 1943, under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend Curry. She has served her church and the Lord as a member of the Thera Pompei Club, the Golden Girls and she was the last surviving member of Ruth Circle. She was also the oldest member of the church and she was the Church Mother. She truly believed that everyone should have the right relationship with the Lord and that Prayer could change things in life. Willie Mae was a fun loving woman who enjoyed life and those she encircled. Over the years, she was affectionately called "Mama, Aunt Lott, Miss Stalks, Mrs. Green, Granny or Great Granny." She had her own instructions for a happy life. Some of which include, "If one should complain about having a headache, her response, "Get a Job"; if one complained about a backache; her response, "Get a Job." Her antidote for a happy life, "take some castor oil." She has left some unique sayings, "A bird in a hand is better than two in a bush," translated "you better take care of what you have and be grateful." She was the type of woman who believed in "reality therapy" but she did it with kindness and love. She didn't mind preparing a dish for family and friends when illness or death occurred. She did this as recently as last year. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this queen of a woman, who blessed us for 98 years. Today is not a celebration of her death but it is the celebration of her life. To know Willie Mae Stalks was to love her. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Mary E. Curvin; her parents; all her brothers and sisters and a grandson, Charles Coprich, Jr. Willie Mae Stalks departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on January 17, 2014, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her son, LeRoy (Betty) Green of Denver; 3 daughters, Pearl J. Hughes and Ophelia Wynn both of Denver and Annie Mae Swinger of Los Angeles, California; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren, 26 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 1/24/2014 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 E Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 1/25/2014 at 11:00 AM - Central Baptist Church - 2400 California Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 1/25/2014 - Highland Cemetery - 10201 North Grant Street Thornton, CO