Willie Mae Bacot

Willie Mae Berry Bacot, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Jan. 15, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. She was a warm and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Willie Mae was born on March 21, 1928, in Wisner. She moved to Baton Rouge in 1949 where she lived the remainder of her life. Willie Mae, an accomplished accountant, retired after 30 years of dedicated service to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. She was also a devoted member of Parkview Baptist Church. Willie Mae is survived by her adoring husband of over 60 years, Bill Adam Bacot; a devoted daughter, Bobbie Jo Grand; three grandchildren, Jennifer Grand Shuffler and her husband, Samuel Shuffler, M.D., Alison Grand, David Grand Jr. and his wife, Reyna Mansur Grand; three great-grandchildren, Maestri Grand, Louis Grand and Townsend Shuffler; and her loyal dog Toby, whom she cherished. She was preceded in death by a son, Willie Wayne; daughter, Dorothy Mae; parents, Tom and Eva Berry; sisters, Ruth Ezell, Earlene Nelson and Maxine Innerarity; and brothers, Lawrence Berry, Wilford Berry and Grady Berry. Willie Mae will be remembered for her generous and determined spirit, her words of wisdom, and her legendary pralines and corn bread dressing. She was the matriarch of her family and an inspiration to those who knew her and will be dearly missed. We would like to thank her wonderful caregivers, especially Hospice of Baton Rouge and Jodi Knippers. Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 1 p.m. until time of services at 2 p.m., conducted by Pastor LaMarylis Cotten. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park.