On July 6, 1942, in Gilmer, Texas, God blessed Willie King and Carrie Mae Kelly with their first daughter, Willie Mae King. She was the first grandchild of the late Spencer and Correen Harris, and the first niece to her mother’s 13 siblings.

 Willie Mae graduated from I.M. Terrell in 1960. Before completing high school, Willie Mae married Hardee Petty in 1958, and during this union four children were born, Adolphus, Kathryn, Joe and Sharon. She later obtained her beautcian’s license, because of her love for styling hair and her appreciation for fashion. She also worked at Texas Instruments from 1966 to 1971. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a dedicated disciple. No matter the circumstances, she always referred to Him as her “True God!”.

 Willie Mae eventually went back into her first profession, until her early retirement, due to health reasons. She enjoyed serving the elderly, watching game shows, baking, and spending time with her granddaughter and family.

 Willie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Willie King Sr. and Missionary Carrie Mae Kelly; daughter, Kathryn Petty; her close sister, Faye Webb; brother, Jimmy King Sr.; granddaughter, Brittany Daniel; and dear friend, John Pickens, Sr.

 Those left to cherish her memories are her children, Adolphus Petty, Joe Petty and Sharon Daniel (Malcolm); her sisters, Betty Alexander and Diana Jones; her brother, Willie King, Jr. (Gloria); sister-in-law, Beverly King; devoted grand-daughter, Lisa Love (Blake), which she had a very special bond with; grandchildren, Kevin Mathis, AD Jones, Malcolm Petty, Marcus Petty, Montrey Daniel and Melvin Daniel; great-grandchildren, Canisha and Keerstin Love and a host of other family and friends.