Willie Mae Cole

Born on May 6, 1923 to William and Amanda Lilly of Farley Hill, WV, Willie Mae would live a long and adventurous life, traveling across the United States and experiencing many events and occasions in history few could imagine.

In 1942 she married her sweetheart Frank Cole, a sergeant in the United States Air Force, and would follow him throughout his service to the country. During World War II, Willie Mae helped out the cause at home, working as one of the original "Rosie the Riveters" building and repairing military equipment for the armed forces in Colorado.

Following the war, Willie Mae and her husband returned to West Virginia where she would work for years in the retail and banking industry, while raising her only child Linda Basham.

In addition, Willie Mae, who was affectionately known simply as "Granny," helped raise two grandchildren and acted as surrogate mother to dozens of other individuals throughout her life. The love and passion for her family and friends was Willie Mae's driving force, and something that will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by so many in her family and in the community

Willie Mae is preceded in her death by her husband Frank; daughter Linda; parents William and Amanda Lilly; brothers William Lilly, Carlee Lilly, and Clifton Lilly; infant sister June Lilly; sisters-in-law Ruth Lilly and Francis Lilly; and brother-in-law Cethus Fleshman. She is survived by her son-in-law Doug Basham; granddaughter Angela Callaway and husband Slick Callaway; son Marc Basham; sister Annabelle Fleshman; brother-in-law Ralph Cole and wife Myra Cole; sister-in-law Alice Lilly; and numerous other close cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Services for Willie Mae will be held Tuesday, December 13 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, WV. The family will receive visitors and well-wishers from 11am-12pm, with funeral proceedings to follow. The service will be conducted by Pastor Don Kelly.