Ms. Willa Mae Delaney

Hosey May McIntosh,  (she later changed her name to) Willa Mae McIntosh-Mallard was born Oct 21, 1937, in Shannon, Mississippi, to the union of Hosea McIntosh and Cora Steward.  She received her early education in the Mississippi School System and later acquired her GED in St. Louis.   In 1957, she earned her cosmetology degree, having attended Poro College, in St. Louis (The Ville area).

Willa joined Christ Pilgrim Rest Church under the pastorship of the late Rev., E.R. Williams, serving as a faithful member in the choir (and we wouldn’t be surprised if she ushered) as everyone born to our family pretty much had to usher!  Willa accepted the free gift of God’s grace and repentance from Christ at an early age, developed and grew into a devoted woman of God.  While not perfect, as a redeemed sinner but by Christ’s blood a saint, she was perfectly serious about the things of God.  While not perfect, she well knew the Savior who was. She developed a deep desire to serve, trust, live, and know God and share the knowledge of Him with others.  She enjoyed the family first, cooking (and she could cook), singing, an occasional trip, loved babies, and was most grateful for the opportunity to go to Brooks Bible College for bible courses.  She later joined Prince of Peace Church under former pastor Rev., Owens, and current Pastor Willie E. Kilpatrick, and under Pastor Kilpatrick earned a preaching/teaching/minister’s license.

Affectionately called “momma” by most, she was employed at Barnes Hospital for well over 30 years until her retirement, working in various roles-mainly administration/unit secretary in nature.  She was well respected by doctors, nurses, peers, and co-workers, young and old.  She had that special “something” that caused people to be drawn to her.  Calm and basically quiet in demeanor, (unless she was watching Wrestling at The Chase, or Roller Derby) she was well-spoken, firm, and direct.

Willa was predeceased by her parents, sisters, brothers, and niece.  She was a matriarch, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, prayer warrior, God-fearing woman, and friend. The deep void that is left today will always be filled by God’s promises and the most precious memories of her life stories.

Willa transitioned from this earthly life to the eternal presence of her Lord Jesus on Oct. 13, 2020, around 1:30 a.m.  She leaves to carry on her legacy and cherish her homegoing: Her children, Ralph Drake, Lorraine (Gus) Gustavis, and Rita Delaney. Grandchildren, Adonica (Demarko) Coleman, Rayna Thompson, Chris Bolden, and Mya Blair. Great Grandchildren,  Jazmyn, Camryn, Paityn, Jordyn, Rhyse, Rhyan, Chris Jr., Charleigh, and Cairo. Great niece, Michelle (Mikki) McDaniel, great-great nephews, Joel & Family, Derrick and a host of other family, brothers and sisters in Christ, and friends.

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