Willie Mae Young

Willie Mae Young, 84, of New Madrid, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Arbors at Westridge in Sikeston, Missouri. She was born on May 21, 1941, in Haleyville, Alabama, to the late Daisy Burnett Byrd and George Byrd.

Willie Mae spent her early childhood in the countryside near Haleyville until the age of nine, when her family moved to rural Sikeston, Missouri. She attended Fairview School and later graduated from Matthews High School. From a young age, she worked hard—helping in the fields as a child, then working at Bull Dog Dairy Queen. After marrying Billy Young on September 11, 1959, in Matthews, Missouri, she devoted herself to both her family and her work. Over the years, she ran a daycare from her home, worked at JCPenney, delivered newspapers, owned a Sports Shop, and later operated Young's Full-Service Gas Station alongside her husband.

Willie Mae had a deep love for gardening and flowers, decorating her home, and finding just the right clothes when shopping. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed traveling with Billy to destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, Ireland, Paris, Switzerland, New York, and Philadelphia.

Her greatest joy came from caring for her grandchildren: Matthew Young, Adam Young, Caleb Young, Hillary Young, Holly Young, and Heather Young. She cherished every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her children: Steve (Becky) Young of Huntsville, MO; Clay (Rachelle) Young of New Madrid, MO; and Cindy (Rick) Faulkner of LaForge, MO; her brother, Leetis Byrd; and her beloved grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Robert Byrd, Matthew Byrd, George Byrd, Lucille Taylor, and Lenora Goza.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at New Madrid Baptist Church in New Madrid, with Brother. Jeff Polk officiating. Burial will follow at Mounds Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. the same day at the church. DeLisle Funeral Home of Portageville is in charge of arrangements.

Willie Mae will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to family, her strong work ethic, and the beauty she brought into the lives of those around her.