Willie Mae Sullivan

affectionately known as ‘Bill” or “Tiby”, was born on August 28, 1928 to the late Lawrence and Mary Milam in Laurens, South Carolina.  She departed this life to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 27, 2021 after a long illness at her home in Suitland, Maryland.  Willie Mae was the oldest twin of 14 children which included 2 sets of twins.  Her twin, Wade passed at the age of 21 due to heart complications.

Willie Mae began her education in Greenville, South Carolina attending Pleasantview Elementary School and Sterling High School where she was known for her athletic abilities in playing basketball. She graduated and went on to Benedict College where she majored in elementary education. After college Willie Mae held numerous positions eventually retiring from the University of Maryland.

In 1952, she was joined in holy matrimony to Julius Curtis Sullivan in Arlington, Virginia who preceded her in death. This union was blessed with 7 children, 3 boys and 4 girls who were the focal point of her life. Willie Mae was a very strong advocate of family and the importance of bonding.

Willie Mae grew up on a farm working in the field growing vegetables and picking cotton. She was always proud to say that she picked more pounds of cotton than any of her other siblings. During her play time she enjoyed playing hop scotch, jump rope, and mostly church. She loved to talk about her life experiences to include the racism growing up in the south, farming, her career, modeling, teaching, and most importantly how her faith played an important role in who she would become.

At an early age, Willie Mae was baptized at the Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Her commitment to the Lord continued throughout her life whereby she was a founding member of New Mount Nebo Baptist Church becoming the “First Daughter” of the church. In her first year she helped form the Junior Choir which later became the Youth Choir. Her ministry included singing in the choir, serving on the Usher Board, street ministry,  and several church Boards.  In 1989 she received her Prison Ministry license; and, in 2004 she received her Certificate of Ordination in Gospel Ministry. She later went on to become an Associate Pastor at Garden of Prayer Pentecostal Church in Washington D.C.

Willie Mae was an outgoing, vivacious person who touched many lives. She was known as the “Neighborhood Mom” throughout the Suitland community. She imparted love, kindness, and the gospel everywhere she went.  She was a devoted loving, caring, and thoughtful person who was a mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and much more to so many people. She easily made friends and would talk about the Lord like she talked about her children to anyone. Even during her long illness she may have forgotten her children’s name but she could still quote a bible scripture.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her son Howard Sullivan; daughter Jacqueline Sullivan, granddaughter Kyatta Sullivan and Noelle Sullivan; brothers Baby Milam, twin Wade Milam, Lawrence “Bill” Milam Jr., Marshall Milam, and sisters Martha Latimer, Eliza Allen, and Joanne Milam.

Willie Mae leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Janice Sullivan, Judy Sullivan, Jamena Peters; two sons, Zachary Sullivan, Wayne Sullivan (LaJuan); twelve grandchildren, Antonio Logan, Zakia Sullivan, Brittany Pinnock (Chevon), Jasmin Peters,  Dominique Sullivan, Ahrielle Briggs, Ashley Bennett, Roddy Peters Jr., Cyrus Buckman III, Zachary Sullivan Jr., Jameah Peters, Ayahnia Sulllivan; eight great grandchildren, Anthony, Aubrey, King, Ryan, Cyrus IV, Trace, Ausha, Kobe;  two sisters, Dorothy Kyle, Lenora Thompson; four brothers Ahaz Milam (Marion), Elder John Milam, Paul Milam (Ruth), and Randolph Milam; Brother-in-law Eddie Sullivan (Doris); and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be publicly streamed at www.tributeoflove.org.