Mother Maudie Mae Wellington

Mother Maudie Mae Wellington departed this earthly life for her heavenly home on August 13, 2016, at the age of 93 years of life. Maudie was born May 6, 1923, to the late Mary Lee Calloway and William “Good” Freeman, Sr. in Eufaula, Alabama (Barbour County). In 1932 at age 9 she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior under the leadership of Reverend Smith in Clayton, Alabama. Maudie married Willie McNair in 1936 and two children were born to this union. In 1953 Maudie moved to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1963 she met and married James Wellington, and joined First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Mother’s Board, choir, Trustee Board and missions. Maudie was a faithful servant of the Lord with unwavering faith, under the leadership of Reverend R.M. Lee until 1994. In 1994 she then moved to Saginaw, Michigan where she joined Greater Freewill Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Mother’s board under the leadership of the late Pastor James L. Dorsey and current Pastor James Speed. Maudie loved to play softball and fish with her mother, daughter and granddaughter, Cynthia. She loved to laugh and kept her family in stitches with all of the stories that she told. As she loved to cook and serve her delicious fried corn, greens, dressing and off the chain sweet potato pies. Maudie was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lee Calloway; father, William Freeman; daughter, Sarah Maude Davis; son, Willie C. McNair; sister, Della Mae Swanson; brother, F.D. Freeman; granddaughter, Cynthia Lucas; great- granddaughter, Aisha Brooks; and great grandson, Darius Lucas. Madea leaves to celebrate and cherish her legacy her devoted five grandchildren, Darlene (G.W.) Williams, William (Cindy) Davis of Defiance, Ohio; Diane Taylor, Linda Brooks and Carol Swan all of Grand Rapids, MI; her brother William Freeman of Clayton, Alabama; her loving, caring and dedicated son-in-law, William Davis, Sr.; seventeen great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. The family would like to express special thanks to the Bethel Baptist Church Family of Cleveland, Ohio and Pastor Speed and her Greater Freewill Church family of Saginaw, Michigan. Madea, as she was affectionately called, was the star and pillar of our family, her wonderful presence, style, grace and “Red Hat” will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Greater Freewill Baptist Church, 615 Irving Park Place with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor James Speed will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Mother Maudie Mae Wellington

May 6, 1923 - August 13, 2016