Willie Mae Velez

Mrs. Willie Mae (Allen) Velez, age 90, of Niles, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 15, 2024 at Birch Meadows of Three Rivers.

She was born on June 20, 1934 in Bradford, Arkansas; the daughter of the late Mr. James and Mrs. Fannie (Acklin) Allen.

On February 14, 1953, Willie Mae was united in marriage to the love of her life, Mr. Francisco Padin Velez of Isabela, Puerto Rico. They were lifelong, faithful members of the Church of Christ in Niles.

Willie Mae worked at Simplicity Patterns and she retired from United Technologies here in Niles. She was known for her love of God, love and generosity for her family, hard work, hospitality, sweet nature, and her amazing cooking. Willie Mae’s home was always open for cookouts, Sunday dinners and special occasions. She would greet her guest with a cake plate full of brownies or banana bread that sat on her counter. Willie Mae loved to host family, friends and Church family at every opportunity. At the end of each visit she would always say, “What’s your hurry?”

Mrs. Velez was preceded in death by her husband, Francisco, daughter, Belinda (Velez) Miller, great-granddaughter, Jalynn Velez, and 10 siblings: Lola (Allen) Ramsey, Raymond Allen, Irene (Allen) Ritchie, Opal (Allen) Taylor, Lois (Allen) Erickson, Marie (Allen) Lashlee, Buster Allen, James Allen, Leoda (Allen) Candelaria, and El Wanda (Allen) Sparks.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory three sons, Nathan (& Tess) Velez of Edwardsburg, Michigan, Anthony (& Lisa) Velez of Three Rivers, and Alan (& MaLinda ) Velez of New Buffalo, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Heather (& Michael) Fraley of Chandler, Arizona, Brian Velez of Scottsdale, Arizona, Brandon (& Brittni) Miller of Maricopa, Arizona, Michelle (& Jason) Wadsworth of Portage, Michigan, Chris Velez of Edwardsburg, Matthew Velez of Three Rivers, and Andrea (& Craig) Spradlin of Edwardsburg; ten great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews.

The family of Willie Mae Velez will receive relatives and friends on Friday, August 23, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. with Mr. David Thompson officiating. Committal will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens near Niles, with interment next-to her husband and daughter.

Contributions in memory of Willie Mae Velez may be made to the Niles Church of Christ, 1515 Huron Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120.