Willie Mae Parsons, 90, of Rockford, IL formerly of Rochelle, passed away Sat. Mar. 10, 2012 at Emeritus Assisted Living in Rockford, IL. Willie Mae was born Jan. 30, 1922 in Mobile AL the daughter of James "Willie" and Nona (Mercer) Taylor. Willie Mae graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile AL. She married William Howard Parsons Nov. 18, 1945 in Mobile. Bill preceded her in death on Jan. 31, 2008. Willie Mae worked as a bookkeeper for 18 years at the Rochelle Township High School. Her memberships included the Rochelle United Methodist Church, and the Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford, IL. Willie Mae was preceded in death by her sister Bernice Cruise.

Willie Mae was a member and past president of the Rochelle Business and Professional Woman's Club. She also sang in the Rochelle Choraliers. Willie Mae and Bill were leaders of the Rochelle Methodist Church MYF youth group for many years.

Survivors include son William (Ann) Parsons of Rockford, IL; daughters: Priscilla (David) Salmond of Vincennes, IN and Jennifer Parsons of Lakewood, CO; grandchildren: Susan (Scott) Wenz, Scott Salmond and Amanda (Scott) Heaslip.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday March, 15, 2012 at the Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd. Rockford, IL with Pastor Laura Barkley officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM before the funeral at the church, and also from 5-8 PM Wed. Mar. 14, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, IL. Burial at Arlington Memorial Park in Rockford, IL following church luncheon. Memorials to Rochelle Twp. High School Alumni Assoc. and Christ United Methodist Church.