Maggie "Nell" Willingham

Maggie “Nell” McCraney Willingham was born in Barbour County on December 9, 1929 to Loise Kelley McCraney and Jemima Hartzog McCraney.  She was the third child of fourteen and the first daughter.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Raymond Dewey Willingham and a son, Barry Alan Willingham.  She is survived by three sons: Ray Willingham, Jr.; Keith Willingham and Tim (Lisa) Willingham; four grandchildren: Daniel Willingham, Clay (Lindsey Kratzer) Willingham, Claire (Dan) Willingham Schauer and Jordan (Jenee') Willingham; three great granddaughters: Lucie Schauer, Chloe Schauer and Gwen Willingham and a great grandson, Austen Schauer.  She was preceded in death by her brothers: Britt, Gaston, Kelley, Earl Gene and Verby and is survived by her sisters: Sue, Faye, Wade, Sybil and Naomi; a sister-in-love, Dot (Britt) McCraney; a daughter-in-love, Kim Hughes Willingham and many nieces and nephews.

She was called home by her Lord and Savior on July 15, 2021.  She was a Christian wife and mother that spent her life serving others.  A favorite verse was Philippians 2:3 which speaks of putting others first.  She served faithfully in the choir and kitchen at East Lake Alliance Church and in the kitchen at Vestavia Alliance Church for many years.  Many were blessed by her creativity and generosity in making and decorating cakes for bridal teas and baby showers.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice staff: Jeanie, Deniseia, Deloris, Denise, Jessica and Damien for their loving care to her in her final days.

Friends and family will gather at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home for visitation on Monday, July 19, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The graveside for Nell will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Jefferson Memorial’s adjoining gardens.