Willie Mae Clovis, 75, known to all as "Ginger", was born on June 14th, 1929 in Houston, Texas to Evans Stewart & Rosa Lee Francisco-Stewart, who preceded her in death. She was the last born of five children: Alex Stewart "Big Brother", Maebelle Randle "Jigs", Gertrude Fennell "Red", and Evans Stewart "Baby Brother", all deceased. She attended Houston public schools and Prairie View A&M. "Ginger" was united in holy matrimony to the late Rev. Nathan Clovis, Jr. of Fourth Missionary Baptist Church. She had two sons: Kenneth W. Stewart, whose death was March 29th, 1979, and Nathan Clovis, III, "Rusty", who survives her.
Early on, "Ginger" worked many years at Kyles Tailors (across from T.S.U.) and Battlesteins Department Store, but is most remembered for her 25 years of service at the Methodist Hospital Monitoring Department. She touched the lives of many friends, especially those of the Ladies Fun Club whom she met and had fun with regularly, serving her famous Peach Cobbler or German Chocolate Cake. It was their way to stay in touch with, fellowship with, and share fun and love among friends.
"Ginger" was a faithful member of Trinity East United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Gleaners, until her health began to fail. Even then she could be seen supporting various church functions as teas, banquets, musicals, and special programs at her home church and others. She was a servant, always working "behind the scenes" with "Red", in the kitchen serving or cleaning up.
On March 8th, 2005, "Giner" departed this earthly life. Someone commented, "She saw a glimpse of Heaven and was ready to go." And one could add to that, "well prepared and well received." She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son Nathan Clovis, III "Rusty"; seven nieces & nephews: Shelia Crabbe, Pam Randle, Madelyn Randle, Gwendolyn Randle, Alex Randle, Joseph Randle, and Rosalyn Shumpert-Boone; a host of cousins, supportive in-laws and good friends. She will be missed but not forgotten, leaving a vacancy in hearts, but not the memory of all she touched by her love and life.
Funeral Services held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 19th, 2005 at Trinity East United Methodist Church at 2418 McGowan Street, Houston, Texas 77004 with Reverend Vallory A. Williams officiating followed by a meal served in the gymnasium. Interment at the Houston National Cemetery on Monday, March 21st, 2005.
