Willie Mae Real

Mrs. Willie Mae Real, 86, of Rockford, Ill., formerly of Steele, departed this earthly life Saturday, May 28, 2011, at Rockford Memorial Hospital, after a short illness. She was born Sept. 11, 1924, in Frenchman Bayou, the daughter of Jack and Addie Barner. Willie Mae moved to Rockford in 1997. She married Aaron Cooper Sr. and to this union seven children were born. After his passing she married Alfonzy Real in October 1952; to this union three children were born. He preceded her in death, as did her parents; her sons James Cooper, Sam Real, J.P. Real and Pete Real; her daughters, Joann Real, Lorine and Corine Cooper and Pat Real; and four sisters, Irene Barner, Alene McWright, Mae Lee Hodges and Ivory Wilkins.

Mrs. Real was a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, serving as a mother.

She leaves to cherish many loving memories her sons, Aaron (and Nettie) Cooper, Melvin (and Geraldine) Willett and Henry Real;

Her daughters, Earlene Meadows, Irene Wooden, Christine (and Danny) Smith, Halline Jackson, Ernestine Jones and Inella Real

A daughter-in-law, Louise Real of Blytheville;

Forty-two grandchildren, 79 great-grandchildren; and

A host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at noon Friday, June 3, 2011, at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 1901 W. State St., with visitation from 10 a.m. to time of service. Pastor Gerald Lumpkins officiated. Burial was in Willwood Burial Park with arrangements by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home, 2429 W. State St. Rockford, Ill.