Willie Mae Sumter, 91, of Southfield, MI, passed away on July 31, 2021, after a long battle with cancer.

Willie Mae was born on September 15, 1929 to Abraham McKelvey and Estelle Addison McKelvey in Saint Stephen, South Carolina. She received her education in the public schools of Berkeley County.  She moved from St. Stephen to Detroit, Michigan where she married Edward Sumter on July 15, 1953.

Willie Mae gained employment serving prominent families in the Detroit area for many years. Some of the children of those families kept in touch with her long after her service had ended.  She retired from Northville Hospital in Northville, MI after working there for many years.

Willie Mae was a faithful member of Unity Baptist Church for over 60 years.  She and Edward joined Unity when it was located at the old bank building.  She served on the Usher Board, Treasurer of the Senior Usher Board and the Mission Circle. She and Edward were proud members of the 50 Year Anniversary group founded by Rev. Valmon Stotts and his wife.

Those who will cherish her memory are:  son Curtis Sumter and his wife Dorinda; her sister Naomi McKelvey; her sister-in-law Sulie McKelvey; her grandchildren: Tonya McKelvey-White (Durward), Na'Dene Horry (Clinton), Joey McKelvey II (Andrea), Andrea Sumter and Demarcus Sumter; and great-grandchildren: Quinnton Betts (Dominique), Meilani Wilder (James), Tyler Betts, Jaramie Betts, Jordan Betts, Xavier Dooley, Devan Smith, Kobe McKelvey, Tyra White, Jaden McKelvey, Trinity White, Xaviar Horry, Donovan White, Greison McKelvey and Madison Horry; great-great-grandchildren, Harmony Wilder and Levi Betts. She is also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many treasured friends who she called family.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Sumter; her son Jonathan McKelvey and daughter-in-law Barbara McKelvey; her siblings, Mary Susie Dingle, Henry McKelvey, Celia Gourdine Robinson, Albertha McKelvey, Ethel Davis and her grandson Elbert Betts.