Willie Mae Outlaw, 84, entered into eternal rest Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at The Gardens at Warwick Forest. She was born Nov. 12, 1935, to the late James Edwards and Carrie Cumbo in Newport News, Virginia. She received her education in the public schools of Newport News.
At an early age, she gave her life to Christ at Wesley Grove Baptist Church in Newport News and later became a faithful member of First Baptist Church East End. She served on the ushers’ ministry and attended Sunday school and bible study regularly.
She was employed by B&L Moving and Storage Company for many years as a packer.
Willie Mae was married to Henry L. Taylor and later married Clarence R. Outlaw. She was the loving mother of six children and seven stepchildren. Willie Mae served as an official greeter at The Gardens at Warwick Forest during her first years of residency. She welcomed visitors with her beautiful smile. She was witty, had a great sense of humor and could carry on a great conversation. Sweets like lemon meringue pie and key-lime cake were some of her favorite desserts. Most of all, she was generous, and a proud and loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed sharing the successes and accomplishments of her family with others.
Willie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, James and Carrie Edwards; brother, James Edward Jr.; sisters, Wilean Carter, Joanna Johnston and Odell Pond; stepson, Calvin Lee Revelle; and great-grandson, Dejuane Beverly.
Willie Mae leaves to mourn her passing two daughters, Carolyn Pair (Matthew) and Lisa Benjamin of Newport News; four sons, Michael Taylor of Newport News, Derrick Taylor (Janice) of Hinesville, Georgia, Robert Outlaw (Melinda) of King and Queen County and Thomas Outlaw of Chesapeake; five stepdaughters, Martha Bland (James), Connie Morris (Dennis), Deborah Royal (David), Alice Johnson (Donnie) and Frances Lewis; stepson, Clarence Rae Outlaw Jr.; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Outlaw; dear friend and roommate, Patricia Patrick; 31 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Willie Mae will be dearly missed. She is absent from the body, but present with her Lord.
Viewing will be held from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601 27th St., Newport News. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17, at First Baptist Church East End, 3000 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Share online condolences with the family at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory.
