Mae Clara Willingham, age 95, of Fayette, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 09, 2026, at Fayette Long Term Care. Services for Mrs. Willingham will be Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Shady Grove Baptist Church, at 11:00 a.m. She will lie in state one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Timothy Whitson will be officiating the service. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel will be directing the service.

Mae Clara Willingham was born on July 27, 1931, to the late Annie Mae Harkins and Ernie Gay.  At an early age, Mae Clara accepted Christ at Gibson Chapel Baptist Church. She later became a faithful and devoted member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained active until her health began to decline. Throughout her years of Christian service, she served on the Usher Board, Missionary Society, and Christian Society. She was also actively involved in the Davis Creek and Holly Springs District Association. Mae Clara was a woman of great faith and was serious and steadfast in her walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Her life reflected the qualities of what Scripture describes as a virtuous woman – faithful, loving, strong, and devoted to serving others. Her life was a testimony to the power of faith, perseverance, and service.

Education and teaching were among Mae Clara’s greatest passions. She received her early education at Fayette Training School/West Highland High School. She continued her education at Alabama State University, in Montgomery, AL, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

Mae Clara devoted many years of her life to teaching in the Fayette County School System. She loved her students and took great pride in helping children learn, grow, and become intelligent, productive, and responsible members of their communities. Teaching was more than a profession to her – it was a calling. Even after retirement, she continued to serve through the Retired Teachers Board of Education.

Mae Clara was also deeply committed to civic and community service. Over the years, she served with and contributed to several organizations, including the Alabama Democratic Conference, the NAACP, Newtonville Community Center, Fayette County Hospital Board, West Highland School Reunion Board, and Voters Poll Worker. Through each of these endeavors, she demonstrated her commitment to improving the lives of others and strengthening the community she loved.

Mae Clara was united in holy matrimony to Mack Willingham, Sr. To this union, one son was born, Mack Willingham, Jr.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Annie Mae (Harkins) Gay and Ernie Gay; her husband, Mack Willingham, Sr.; five sisters: Eva Box, Lula Vaughn, Bernice Liptrot, Annie Garlington, and Ella Wilson; and her beloved dog and faithful companion, Missy, who held a very special place in her heart.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, a devoted and loving son, Mack Willingham, Jr.; special cousins: Sara Cannon, Ann Peoples, Arthur Gay, Gilbert Gay, and Bernard Wright; goddaughter, Leisha Lacy; special niece, Clarice Wilson; dear friend, Marie Gay; her longtime and oldest dearest friends: Voncile Smith and Mittie Nalls; caregivers: Anita Hughes Wilson and Judith Sudduth; a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

Mae Clara leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Her life touched generations through the children she taught, the people she served, the community she helped strengthen, and family and friends she loved dearly.

Though she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing her work on earth is complete. We believe the Lord welcomed His Faithful Servant home with the words: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

May her memory forever be a blessing and may the life she lived continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.