Obituary of Willie Mae Houston

Sacramento Memorial Lawn honors the life of Willie Mae Houston. This month and day in 1923, our "Mother" was born into this world and today we celebrate her 96th birthday and home-going. Willie Mae Brown was born on January 11th, 1923 in Russum, Mississippi. She departed this life on January 1, 2019 in Sacramento, California. Willie Mae married Jasper Ruffin, Sr. in 1937 in Mississippi. To this union, three children were born. She relocated to Weed, California to join her sister, Essie Mae Etter. Willie Mae accepted Christ at a young age and was known for her commitment and service to the kingdom of God throughout her life. She left a legacy of the joys of a personal relationship with God and the power of prayer. She was known to be a praying woman. One of her children once sited that she prayed in every room of the house summarizing that "Momma prays everywhere". Willie Mae retired in 1985 after working as a cook at the Florin Convalescent Hospital in Sacramento, California. Her cooking skills followed her long after retirement as she enjoyed cooking for her adoring family and friends 7-up cakes. Willie Mae leaves to cherish her life daughters, Rosie Mae Betts and Bessie Logan of Sacramento CA, Jeanette Houston of Roseville CA and son Laurence Houston of Manteca CA. Along with 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, Willie Mae leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and friends to cherish her memory.