Willie Lee McKoy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Willie Lee McKoy 81 of Maxton; who departed this life on December 28, 2025.

She will be missed by family, friends and all who knew her. Burial will follow in McLeod Cemetery in Maxton.

Willie Lee McKoy, daughter of the late Christy Bell (Wilkerson)Thompson and the late Johnnie Thompson, was born on August 31, 1944 in Maxton NC. God called her home on Sunday December 28, 2025.

Willie Lee became a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church as a child and continued as a member throughout her life serving faithfully. Willie Lee was educated in the public schools of Robeson County (R.B. Dean). Throughout the years, she went to school for nursing, cosmetology, and culinary. Willie Lee worked at Scotland Memorial Hospital late 60s early 70s. Mid 80s to late 90s, Willie Lee was a partner in her own business “Willie’s Amusement Center” of which the public nicknamed “Poolie’s.” Late 90s, she continued using her culinary skills at Aberdeen Meadows and then Scotia Village retiring in 2006. After retiring, she devoted time helping to raise her two youngest grandchildren. Throughout the years, she was known for helping to raise and feed many.

Willie Lee was married for 42 years to the late John Wesley McKoy. Also preceding her in death: daughters Anita McKoy McLean and Bridget McKoy; grandson Christopher McKoy; sisters: Ida Bell, Mary Thompson, Christine Love, Johnnie Mae McLaughin, and Maggie (extant Lonzell) Thompson.

Those left to cherish Willie Lee’s wonderful memories are: one son John Wesley McKoy Jr of Maxton NC; one daughter April Joye McKoy of Maxton, NC; three grandsons: David E. McKoy, James H. McLean, and Demaury D. McKoy all of Maxton NC; one granddaughter Aaliyah McKoy of Fargo, North Dakota; four sisters: Sarah (Wendell) Braddy of Maxton, NC, Joann (late Charles) Buie of Red Springs, NC, Eunice Hughes of Portsmouth, VA and Alice (George) Minor of Portsmouth VA; two brothers: Johnnie Thompson Jr. of Chesapeake VA and Allen Dale Thompson of Portsmouth VA; two sisters-in-law: Mary McLean and Mable McKoy; brother-in-law Sonny McKoy; 20 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives, friends, and family.

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