Willie Mae was born February 2, 1932, in Yorktown, Virginia to the late John Chatman and the late Edna W. Chatman-Lockett.  Willie Mae was the third of seven children including a sibling that died shortly after birth. Preceding her in death were Mack Rowe, Ruth Walker, Johnnie Chatman, Sr, Robert (Bobby) Chatman, and Clarence Brazil.  Immediately following the death of Willie Mae's father in 1933, the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, to live with the late Mrs. Willie T. Baker, their father's sister. Together, the ladies assumed the role of parents taking care of Willie Mae and her siblings.  The Chatman women raised the children in downtown Jacksonville on West Duval Street.  The family was taught to live peaceably and serve God. They worshipped for many years at Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church from Monroe Street to Myrtle Avenue. At a very young age, Willie Mae was baptized and learned to live according to God's Word.

Willie Mae attended the local schools of Jacksonville, completing high school at Stanton High in 1950. Following high school she married her first love, John H. Hayes and they started a family. In 1965 she completed her Bachelor's studies in Education at Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida. In 1967 she graduated from Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Florida, receiving her Master's in Education. During these years she became one of the best elementary educators in Duval County. After working and raising their children through adulthood, she and John moved to Atlanta, Georgia and expanded their careers until retirement. After Willie Mae retired from the DeKalb County school system, John kept his promise to his wife, whom he affectionately called "Red," and returned home to Jacksonville to live the rest of their days amongst family.

The return to home brought pleasure to Willie Mae as she was able to be with her family daily. She was determined to make a difference in the lives of children and worked part-time at Chatman's Christian Academy for a few years. She spent her best days enjoying games of Soduko, watching Ion TV, and shopping. She found pleasure socializing with the members of the ladies group, The Jewels, and her weekly calls to her best friend, since bicycles and baby dolls, Earline Lawrence.

Unfortunately, some years after returning, her family's dimension began to change. Starting with her baby girl, Janis, followed by son, Ronald, husband, John, and daughter, Rhonda, her family dissipated. During this period of about five years she lost her most treasured love through death. She also lost her brother "Bobby", whom she called her "baby".

After returning home, Willie Mae served at Mt Olive P.B. Church briefly and then decided to join her brother Johnnie, as he led the flock of believers at True Believers Primitive Baptist Church. She held onto her big brother until he departed this world.

Willie Mae served as a dedicated Church school teacher for the youth and as a Mother and Deaconess until she became unable, due to illness.

After many years of serving the Lord, 89 years of life ended Friday evening, April 16. She leaves to cherish her memory: Sister-n-law, Mary B Chatman; Grandsons, Dwayne (Brenda), Aaron (Errin) Thomas, Hayes, Eric Hayes, and granddaughters, LaToya Hayes, Portia Hayes, and Andrea (Buttons) Brazil; Great grand children, Tiara (LaTreva), Jaleia, Trinity, Dwayne Jr (DJ), Jorrell, Anyah, Alana, Asiah, Arinn; Special nieces, Rosalyn, Lisa(Timothy) Smiley, and Edna; Long term care giver Nicole Cason (Damion Dozier); Great-great grandchildren, Zariya and Zayden; and a host of nieces, nephews, and loving friends.