Willie Marian Johnson Weems was born October 12, 1917 in Ridal Georgia to Willis Johnson and Sally Mae Fain Johnson, who preceded her in death.
Mama Willie, as she was affectionately called, received her formal education in Barto County Georgia, where she grew up. She found Christ at an early age while living in Georgia and upon moving to Indianapolis became a member of the Westwood Missionary Baptist Church, later Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist, St. Mission Community Baptist Church and when her Grandson John A. Jenkins founded a Church New Direction Full Gospel Church, Mama Willie welcomed the opportunity to be shepherded by her Grandson. Willie as united in Holy Matrimony to Thomas Henry Weems in 1938 who preceded her in death and to this union five children were born, Sonny and Sarah also preceded her in death. Willie was employed for 30 years by Mrs. Ruth Stickney and to this family she became more than just an employee, she was a cherished member of the household. Mrs. Stickney’s grandchildren to this day still refer to her as Mama.
Mama Willie will truly be miss by all who knew her, her sage advice, her sensational wit and most of all, her beautiful singing voice.
She leaves to cherish her memory, 2 daughters; Marian L.(William) Patrick, Cora S. Weems and 2 Sons Teddy A. (Faye) Weems, Thomas D. Dowdell Jr. (Malika); 11 Grandsons Thomas D. Sr. (Tamika), Donald R., Gregory A. (Carla), Mark A., Michael L. Dowdell, James C. (Gayle), John A. (Monica), Jenkins, Kenneth, Demetrus (Amber), Maurice Weems and Teddy Weems Jr. 2 Grandaughters, Linda F. Dowdell and Brenda S. Jenkins, and Godchildren Susie and Bob Pingle, Sam Ruff, Betty Ribinson, Beatrice White and her best friend Lucy Dodson, 42 Great Grandchildren, 26 Great Great Grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mama Willie Marian Weems departed this life on Wednesday May 7, 2014 at the age of 96 years and 7 months of age.