Willie Mae Nelson, 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts with her family by her side.

Willie Mae was born on April 3, 1929, in Wharton, Texas. She was the oldest of six children born to Wille and Ardalia Stephens.  During her childhood, she often worked long hours on the family farm producing cotton, black-eyed peas, crowder beans, okra, tomatoes, and strawberries.  At the age of 18, Willie Mae graduated from E. Henry High School in Eagle Lake, Texas.  She later graduated from Wharton County Junior College with an associate degree in dietary science.  She soon moved to San Antonio, Texas where she started her adult life working as a secretary.  She soon met Victor Herbert Nelson, a medic in the United States Air Force.  They married in 1955 in a loving ceremony in Victor's hometown of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Willie Mae worked as dietary assistant at New England Baptist Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital for over 30 years.  During this time she lovingly raised four children and several grand dogs.

For over 40 years, Willie Mae and her husband, an executive officer of the AFGE Union, often traveled to various cities throughout the country to fight for fair wages, safe work conditions, and a well-rounded medical insurance for all Americans.  She would often encourage others to never stop "fighting" for workers' rights.

Willie Mae was an amazing cook!  She was passionate about sharing her hearty food with her friends and family.  Her list of memorable dishes included roast leg of lamb, herb crusted chicken, Spanish pork chops, pineapple upside down cake, three layered coconut cake, and an unforgettable rum laden sweet-potato pie!  She would often make 10-15 pies during the holiday season as gifts for her family and friends.

Willie Mae enjoyed listening to her favorite singers and jazz musicians including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and most of all Patti Labelle. She loved attending concerts, plays, musicals, and casinos.  Willie Mae enjoyed reading the daily newspaper while enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a coconut donut.  She loved watching various television shows such as the Today Show, Law and Order, and the Housewives of Atlanta.  In her later years, she acquired a love of playing Dominoes and coloring for relaxation.

Willie Mae was a faithful and longstanding member of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church in Roxbury.  She dedicated many hours to the nationally known church sponsored annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration in Boston.

Willie Mae is survived by her oldest daughter, Cecilia of Brockton, MA; son, William of Memphis, TN; daughter, Susan of Hyde Park, MA; daughter Daphne of Alexandria, VA; son-in-law Ray of Brockton, MA; sister, Blanche Washington of Boston, and Mozelle Stephens of Wharton, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.  She was predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Victor, her sisters, Erma Jean and Val, and her brother Bubba. She also leaves to mourn her loyal grand dogs, Mango and Passion.