WILMINGTON, N.C. — Mrs. Mae Willie Patton, 99, of Wilmington, N.C. and formerly of Lanett, Ala. passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Facility in Wilmington.

Mrs. Patton was the daughter of the late William Henry and Mary Lissie Johnson Burton. She was born January 11, 1919 in Chambers County, Ala.

Mae Willie received her education and training in a small school which was located in the Greenwood community. She was employed with the George H. Lanier Memorial Hospital with over 40 years of service before her retirement.

Mrs. Patton was a faithful member of the Greenwood Baptist Church. She served her church as an usher and choir member before declining health. She also served on several auxiliaries and various capacities for the church.

Mae Willie was affectionally known as “Mama Nett” and “Aunt Nett” by her family and friends. She enjoyed her flowers, gardening, and baking sweet potato pies and banana puddings.

Within the last eight years of her life, upon the passing of her daughter, Mae Willie was in the tender loving care of her son and daughter-in-law in Queens, N.Y. and Wilmington, N.C. During her time in New York, she attended Greater St. Stephen’s United Church of God in Brooklyn with her daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

Mae Willie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Lewis “P.L.” Patton; a daughter, Shirley Anderson, and several siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memories a son, Wallace (Lenora) Patton, Wilmington, N.C.; one granddaughter, Desiree Patton, Brooklyn, N.Y.; one grandson, Paul Patton, Wilmington, N.C.;  one sister, Fannie C. Little, Lanett, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 1 p.m. EDT at the Greenwood Baptist Church, Lanett, with the Rev. James McTier and Pastor Donald Little officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The remains will lie in state at the church on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from noon until the funeral hour. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 5 until 7 p.m. EDT at the M.W. Lee Mortuary. The family may be contacted at the residence of Mrs. Fannie C. Little, 1151 North 16th Court, Lanett.

Please visit our website to express online condolences at www:mwleemortuary.com

M.W. Lee Mortuary of West Point is handling arrangements.