Willa Mae Sweeden

Willa Mae Sweeden, 87 of Osage and Hominy, Oklahoma passed away on Friday February 7, 2003. Willa Mae was born December 16, 1915 in Weber Falls, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Josie Ella and Samuel S. Cobb. Willa Mae grew up in Muskogee where she attended the Muskogee Schools. She married Odis Lee Sweeden on November 4, 1933 in Muskogee. Early in their married life, Willa Mae and Odis lived in Muskogee and San Antonio, Texas where Odis was employed by the MK&T railroad. In 1946 they moved to Osage, Oklahoma.

Always a community activist, an organizer and a person deeply dedicated to the help of others, Willa Mae was involved in many organizations. She and husband Odis were very active in the Democrat Party and for many years served in several precinct and state party positions. Willa Mae worked for J.C. Penney Co. in Muskogee and for many years worked at the Munsingware Garment Manufacturing facility in Hominy, Oklahoma.

During her working career, Willa Mae also served as the President of the Local International Womenís Garment Workers Union. In this position Willa Mae represented her Union at many National conventions and also was a regular contributor to the Union newspaper. She attended several special training programs held at the University of Wisconsin. Particularly noteworthy was the special honor given to Willa Mae where she introduced Vice President Hubert Humphrey at a Union National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Willa Mae was also active in the Cleveland, Oklahoma Rebekah Lodge and held several positions in the Lodge. She attended Lodge activities throughout the State of Oklahoma.

For awhile after the death of her husband, Willa Mae lived with her son Stanley in San Antonio, Texas. While there, she continued her education arid completed her GED at the age of 65. She was an exemplary student and earned the position of Valedictorian of her class. Her Valedictory speech was written and presented by Willa Mae in both Spanish and English. She also attended art classes while living in San Antonio and because of her performance she was offered an Instructorís position with the class.

Willa Mae was preceded in death by her husband Odis and son James Ray. She is survived by her son Odis Mack and wife Tammie of Cleveland, son Stanley Robert and wife Pat of Hominy and daughter Carol Frances Martin and husband Jim of Tacoma, Washington. She is also survived by her beloved sister and best friend, Lou Ella Cox and her husband Paul of Tulsa. She is also survived by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Willa Mae is also survived by twelve step great grandchildren. Willa Mae loved and was loved by many people and leaves behind many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at the Osage Baptist Church in Osage with Rev. James Lame officiating. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

''Visit and online obituary and guestbook for Willa Mae Sweeden at www.chapman-black.com.''