Willie Mae "Bim" Defee
Willie Mae “Bim” Defee, 99, of Hemphill, died Thursday, June 17, 2021. She was born December 30, 1921, in Beaumont, to Alma Boutte Gossett and Jarvis Lee Gossett.
Bim was the name that her extended family and friends used. She was given the name “Memom” by Vince, her oldest grandson who could not say Big Momma. That is the name that the rest of the grandkids, great grandkids and great, great grandkids knew her by. She was the most loving, caring person to all who knew her. She loved to travel with Luke, her husband. They always took Vince and Renee on those vacations throughout their school years! She liked quilting and made personal quilts for all the kids! She was also a very opinionated person, and she did not mind sharing those. Mike, her son, nicknamed her “Mama Cosell.” For those too young to understand this reference, he related her opinions to Howard Cosell who was a very opinionated sports commentator! She was a very devout catholic who rarely missed Mass and when she did, most of the time she would have Mass on TV. One of the family events that we all enjoyed were the Christmas Eve’s that we would spend together with the extended family at her house. At the end of the day, Memom’s life was a life well lived and a person who loved and more importantly was loved by everyone that knew her!
Willie is survived by her son, Michael Lee “Mike” Defee and wife, Darlene, of Hemphill; grandchildren, Michael “Vince” Defee and wife, Mary; Renee Ann Burkett and husband, Murray; Kimberly Cheree Dziuk and husband, Dustin; eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Dolores Whitney.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Luther Elmer Defee; and sister, Gloria Adams.
A gathering of Mrs. Defee’s family and friends will be 1:00 p.m., Sunday, June 20, 2021, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m., at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.
Video
Oak Bluff Memorial Park
Oak Bluff Memorial Park
- 618 block port neches tx 77651
Graveside Service
Graveside Service
- 618 Block Street Port Neches, Texas 77651
- 06/20/2021
- 2:30 pm
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 505 n 12th street nederland tx 77627
- 06/20/2021
- 6:44 pm
Broussard's Mortuary - Nederland, TX
Broussard's Mortuary - Nederland, TX
- 505 n 12th street nederland tx 77627
Comments
Lee Acevedo Jr
Mike, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your Mother. Heavenly Father I pray you wrap Mike , Darlene and the Defee Family in your loving embrace . Grant them comfort and peace in knowing you called their mother home because you needed a Beautiful Angel in Heaven. In Jesus's name I pray.... Amen. Love you Bro. Lee Acevedo Jr.
Christinia Herrmann
Vince & Renee, I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your Memom. She was such a sweet lady who always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. I know my Mom always enjoyed stopping by to have coffee with her. They would catch up on past years and old family members. Cherish your wonderful memories of your beautiful Memom.
Frances Reue Manning
Sending sincere condolences to Bim's family. I have known her all my life. So many fond memories of her and Luke when I would be next door in Nederland playing with Connie, Sissy and Bubba. Now many years later I reconnected with her through Facebook and so enjoyed her posts, her sharp mind and her wise opinions. She was truly an amazing lady. So many wonderful memories your family must have. With Sympathy, Frannie (as she called me)
Dick Brand
Mike and Darlene, Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom. It was quite a surprise when I read about her passing. Dick & Gail Brand
Ronnie Vize
As a kid growing up in Nederland, Mike and I and a group of neighborhood kids played together almost every day all during those early. years. Mrs Defee was always there with food, water, and “don’t get too hot”. She was such a sweet lady who always gave a pleasant smile to us. I pray the Holy Spirit watch’s over her family and comforts them during this period. It may be sad for us but I believe there is joy and happiness in Heaven now..
David Minaldi
Mike : So sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. She was such a sweet and kind lady and never seemed to mind when we would rough house at her home. I know that she was a devout Catholic and went to mass on a very frequent basis. Heaven has just received another super star to add to their roles. May God bless your Mom and you, Darlene and your family. I will keep your Mom in my prayers at tomorrow's mass.. Take care and always remember the good times that you shared with your Mom. Dave & Carolyn Minaldi