Ms. Willie Mae Brinkley

Willie Mae Brooks Brinkley, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, niece, cousin, aunt, friend, and devoted member of her community, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024, at the age of 87. Willie Mae was born January 12, 1937, to the late Reedis Brooks and Irene Gillis Brooks. She spent her formative years under the care of her grandparents, Jasper and Eliza Gillis and her Aunt Sallie Ann Hailey. Willie Mae confessed her faith in Christ and joined Williams Chapel Presbyterian church at an early age. She was very active in church, always eager to participate in various church activities. After graduating from Johnsonville High School as class valedictorian in 1956, Willie Mae married Ernest Lornell Brinkley and from this union, they were blessed with five (5) children. Willie Mae left her home church and joined Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church where her husband’s family worshipped. She served faithfully for over 30 years as a member of the Young Adult Choir and subsequently as the financial secretary. Willie Mae had always dreamed of becoming a teacher and in 1971, she began her quest to fulfill that dream by enrolling at Campbell College in the teacher’s program. She graduated from Campbell College in 1975, and began her teaching career, initially in Sanford, NC in the head start program and eventually landing a position at Lillington Elementary School where she remained until she retired from teaching in 2002. Willie Mae was a passionate schoolteacher who dedicated her life to educating and nurturing the minds of young students. She earned a Master's degree in education from North Carolina Central University and was known for her innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication to her students. In 2001, Willie Mae felt called to return to her home church where she found comfort and support in her faith. She became a dedicated member, serving as an Elder and the church Treasurer until her health declined. She was a pillar of her community, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer words of wisdom and encouragement to those around her. Willie Mae will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering faith, and her unending love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom, and dedication that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Bishop Anthony L. Brinkley (Barbara) of Lillington, NC and Samuel N. Brinkley of Wake, VA; two daughters, Sandra Hands of the home and Tonya Brinkley of Woodbridge, VA; eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren. two aunts, Sallie Ann Hailey and Fannie Headen; two brothers-in-law, Willie C. Brinkley and Linwood Brinkley; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a community of friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly. She is also survived by her beloved cousins, Vashti Stricklin, Connie Hailey, and Van Hailey, who shared a special bond with Willie Mae during their childhood and were like siblings to her as they grew up together. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Lornell Brinkley and her son, Reedis Bryan Brinkley. May she rest in peace knowing that her life made a difference in the lives of so many.

Ms. Willie Mae Brinkley

January 12, 1937 - June 30, 2024