Willie Mae (Steagall - Scott) Govan

Willie Mae Steagall Scott Govan wore many hats during her 97 years of life. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great–grandmother, preacher, community volunteer, and social justice activist.

 Mrs. Govan was born in Newnan, Georgia on July 7th, 1925, to the parents of Annie Elizabeth Sarah Ann Camp Steagall and John Steagall.  She was the third child of the family, brother, John C. Whatley (deceased) (Jessie Lou), sister, Bertha Thompson (deceased) and brother, Frank Scott (Lillie) (both deceased).  After her father’s death when she was 12 years old, her mother met and married James Nathan Scott.  To that union one son was born, Asberry Scott (Barbara) (both deceased).

 When Mrs. Govan was fourteen years old, the Scott family moved to Childersburg, Alabama when her stepfather was transferred there by the Georgia Pacific Railroad.  She attended the segregated Phyllis Wheatley High School.  She later married Mr. Sam Marbury, who died early in the marriage.  Mrs. Govan worked at Fort McClellan Army Base in Anniston and eventually met and married John Wesley Govan, Sr. (deceased).  Together, the family raised three children, Annie Scott Parker (Rudolph), Tommye Scott, and John Wesley Govan, Jr.

 She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Hagans Chapel CME, now Pleasant Valley CME.  She was famously known for all of her efforts at the church and for aiding in fundraising.  Mrs. Govan entered the AOH Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, under the guidance of Bishop Jasper Roby.  There, she earned her Divinity Degree/ Licensure and began her ministry in her home. 

 During World War II, she was employed for eighteen months by E.I. DuPont, an ammunition depot, making gunpowder.  Barely making the age requirements, she reported that it was the highest– paying job she ever had.   In 2021, she was acknowledged in a documentary titled “Black Roses”. The Forgotten African American Heroines of the WWII Homefront. “It depicts the work she and other African American women did before their positions were replaced by white men. 

 In her later years, Mrs. Govan attended the Sentara PACE program for individuals aged 55 and older. She took an active role at the facility by providing prayer, attending all church functions, and welcoming new participants to the program.  Mrs. Govan was prominently featured as a leading lady in PACE’s public service announcement video showcasing the program’s services.

 Willie Mae Steagall Scott Govan was called home to be with The Lord on January 3rd, 2023.  She is survived by a number of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family including children, Annie Scott Parker (Rudolph), Tommye Scott, and John Wesley Govan, Jr.; grandchildren, Kem Demetrius Scott (Sierra), Aviva Scott (deceased), Sherry Spencer, and John Aujuwan Spencer; great grandchildren, Raven McMillian, Laila Frazier, Matthew Forester, Destiny Scott, Jaivias Scott (deceased), Samoria Russell, Javon Spencer, Jontavious Jackson, and Jace Spencer. 

 Special thanks to caregivers Sentara PACE, Sheneda Latham-Hollis, Derrica Sherrod, Jonnifer Williams, Loretta Starks, Kimberly Hill, and Joanne Kirby.  Special family/friend's supporters, Susan Banks, Dr. Janice Johnson, Maravia Reid, Phyllis Razeeq, Vanessa Parker Ridley, Vernell Kilpatrick, Cheryl Miller, NP, Lakaye Mbah, Lynda and Greg Rivera.

 To our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all, we love you, and may you rest peacefully. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willie Mae (Steagall - Scott) Govan, please visit our floral store.