Willie Gattis

Willie Dee Gattis, 91, of McDade, passed away peacefully at her home with her family and friends at her bedside, Tuesday, June 29, 2021.  Willie Dee was born to George Scott and Sally Ruth Fraser in Estelline, Texas on January 3, 1930.

As a young girl, Willie worked in the fields with her family, learning to work hard and steady. As she learned more about the work field, she landed a job in a drug store downtown Austin, Texas, as a waiter, expanding her skills she went to work for the Austin School for the Deaf.

Willie was united in Holy Matrimony to Rolland Cublerson Gattis on October 6, 1948, in Georgetown, Texas.  They settled in Creekmore until 1978, then moved to McDade, Texas, where they purchased land and built a home. As time moved forward and the family grew, Willie got a job at William Grocery Store in Elgin in the bakery. As she was able to focus on her education, Willie obtained a GED and later got her teaching certificate and taught head start in Elgin and Smithville School District.  Willie’s husband passed on July 23, 2003, she continues to live in McDade, retiring from the work field and fell in love with gardening, painting, sewing, cooking, and baking (she was known as the Bakery Lady for the years working at William’s grocery). Willie’s main love was her husband, family, and friends, for she raised six children and helped with their children and their children’s children, witnessing five generations. Willie had a collection of many items, but loved to collect music boxes, bird houses and angels. Willie enjoyed talking and visiting with people, leaving them with a little quote or saying.

Willie Dee Gattis lived a long beautifully life that was enriched by her large, loving family – six children, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren and she loved all of them deeply and they will cherish her priceless legacy.

Family and Friends will gather for Graveside Service at Haynie Chapel Cemetery, Saturday, July 24th at 11:00 AM.