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Rhodes United Fidelity Funeral Home, Inc. - North Oak Hills

10715 North Oak Hills Pkwy

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Willie Girtley Obituary

Willie Mae Girtley, a homemaker, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at her residence. She was 81 years old. Ms. Girtley was a native and resident of Baton Rouge, LA. She was the daughter of the late Willie Brown, Lucille W. Cotton and Edward Cotton, Sr. Wife of the late Pinckney Girtley. Sister of Edward Cotton, Jr. (Annie) of Houston, TX, Jessie Cotton (Rosie), Gloria James (Isadore), Alvin Cotton of Baton Rouge, LA and Blanche Beasley of San Francisco, CA. Ms. Girtley was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Geraldine Kennedy and Bessie Brown, 2 sisters-in-law, Jessie Mae Meredith, Eleanor Cotton, 2 brothers-in-law, Herman Kennedy and Fred Beasley, and 5 nephews, Rodrick Cotton, Eric Brown, Shawn Dawson, Patrick Kennedy and Leonard Brown. She is survived by a devoted friend and neighbor, Yvonne, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family, are invited to attend the funeral service on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Rhodes United Fidelity Funeral Home, 2929 Scenic Hwy., Baton Rouge, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation from 8-10:00 a.m., Rev. Percy Howard and Pastor Jerry B. Dixion officiating. Interment in McDonough Cemetery, Gretna, LA. Arrangements entrusted to Rhodes United Fidelity Funeral Home.

Published by The Advocate from Dec. 7 to Dec. 11, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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It has been nearly 40 years ago that you welcomed me to come and live with you in San Francisco. I know that both my parents were comforted that I would be under your watchful eye and care as I started my journey into womanhood from New Orleans to San Francisco. I marvel at how many youngsters you have loaned that same watchful eye and care to as we all journeyed into adulthood with you as the surrogate in all of our lives. I even left and came back to you, this time, with a husband in tow and again there you were; thank you!
Two of your San Francisco kids, Phillip and Dena and I have talked over the past days and we will all miss you so much, I believe we are finding solace and strength from each other as we try and deal with your loss to our lives and what you meant to us. I know that Phillip and Dena's dad, Joe, is also greatly saddened, you were such a big part of the Koerpel family for years and years.
I am so happy that you finally got to be with the man you loved for so long in Girtley. Your love story is an enduring one and gives all of us hope concerning affairs of the heart.
I am grateful that you took on the role of being a surrogate to countless youngsters here in the Bay Area and at home in Louisiana and many other places around the U.S. I will miss our almost daily talks. I will never forget the sassy and vibrant woman who was so instrumental in my life as I grew as an adult.
Willie Mae, you had so many angels in your neighborhood too. There was Ray & his family down the street; Yvonne & Paige across the street; Rev., Miss Catherine & her home health care worker next door; and there was JoAnn and Stewart. They all stood by, always willing to help you in any way they could. You had your daily phone angels in Ann and Ida Dell and there was also John, and I cannot forget how much you looked forward to the visits from Joel. I will be in all of their debt forever for being so kind and in your life so diligently.
All in our family are devastated, there are huge holes in our hearts. I love you and will always be so grateful for the part you played in the woman I am today. I know that we will all find healing through our prayers, our faith and our spirituality. I plan to celebrate your life by trying to follow your lead and be a surrogate to any youngsters who may need my help whenever I can.
May you rest in peace. We all have so much gratitude and sadness. We will always love you. This tribute is from our family and all of our adopted families who came to us because of you. We are blessed for their presence in our lives. Thank-you, thank-you and thank-you again!

Judy Williams Pitts

December 11, 2012

Hey, Mom I will always love dearly. you was my best friend we had good laugh and sad ones rest now because you don't have to worry about nothing. God has your hands love always your dauther and son in law steward and joann mayweather love Kiss, Kiss kiss!

joann mayweather

December 11, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Brenda Branch Buckley

December 10, 2012

I thank God for allowing you to be a part of me and my children's life. We were more than friend, we were sisters.I love you and will miss you,but God love you best.Your devoted friend and neighbor.

Yvonne Johnson

December 10, 2012

Thank you,Thank you for your watchful eye on our daughter Paige in her growing years, she thought of you as MaMa Girt. we will missed you.
Love James,Yvonne,Paige,Tyvon and a host of family members.

James C. Smith

December 10, 2012

MOMMA GIRTLEY IT WAS AND STILL A PLEASURE KNOWING YOU WE TOOK YOU ON AS OUR SECOND MOM AND EVERYTIME WE WOULD SEE YOU...YOU HAD THAT PRETTY SMILE ON YOUR FACE WHEN EVER I WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN ILL JUST PUT IN THE TAPE OF YOU @ ALL THE CHURCH PROGRAMS & MY BABY SHOWER,AND THE PICS. OF JOANN & STEWARTS WEDDING.FOR ALL THE PPL.IN ALGIERS NEW ORLEANS,GRETNA & MARRERO WE LOVE & WILL MISS YOU" THE THOMAS FAMILY"

LIL DEBBIE THOMAS

December 10, 2012

My life has truly been altered by your death, my trio are together again! I love and will miss you Aunt Mitchell. I'm without words at this time but my heart is heavy yet my life is filled with joy because you were a part of it! Take your eternal rest, my heart know that God has received you with his love!

Tremayne Jackson

December 10, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 10, 2012

Thank GOD for letting me meet you and spend precious time with you. Thanks for visiting the "US CHURCH". May your journey be joyful and peaceful. May your soul find rest.

Pastor Hazel Wyatt

December 9, 2012

My prayers are with you and your family doing this time of sorrow.

Patricia Johnson

December 8, 2012

This was a sweet and caring woman. You couldn't ask for a better neighbor or lady to have in your life. We all love you so much Ms.Girtley. This isn't a goodbye, it's a see you later.

Brittny Smith

December 8, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

GILBERT ROBERTS

December 7, 2012

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Rhodes United Fidelity Funeral Home, Inc. - North Oak Hills

10715 North Oak Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70810

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