Williemay Cheek

I'm so sorry to share the news that Willemay has passed from this earth.
She lived independently in her own home 'til the day she died, and kept her sense of huumor, grace, and curiosity to the end.
When asked by the nurses at the hospital for her "secret" to living 97 years, she replied, "Don't have a heart attack!"

I was privileged to know Mrs. Cheek for nearly 40 years. She got a kick out of this website.
Williemay Amason Cheek ~ born in California December 26, 1909 ~ died January 22, 2007 in Michigan
She leaves her sons, grandchildren, and countless dear friends.
Rest in Peace, dear Williemay, with your beloved John. We'll miss you.

This is a tribute from one friend to another,
in celebration of her 97 years on earth.

From her quiet home in the Michigan woodlands,
Williemay enjoyed life
as a wife, mother, teacher, poet and potter,
to name just a few of her talents.

I met Williemay nearly 40 years ago
at the college library where I was working as a student.
We shared stories, tears and laughter,
and the beginning of a lasting friendship.

Williemay was a gifted potter.
Mine is just one life that she has enriched with her creations.

This mug was a gift from Williemay in 1975.
It fits my left hand perfectly. (And I'm left-handed.)
Whenever I have trouble sleeping, I drink a little warm milk and vanilla,
sprinkled with nutmeg, from this mug.
Instant bliss.
And I'm sure it isn't just the warm milk that does the trick....

She gave me a bowl that I used for 25 years before I dropped and broke it. I glued it together and use it for popcorn, but I was lost without my favorite mixing bowl. She replaced it with two others.
They should last the rest of my life.

Here are a few other Williemay pieces that I enjoy on a daily basis.

Williemay was the first person I knew to have e-mail.
She stayed in touch with the world, her friends, and her relatives through her computer.
Her curiosity, her exuberance, her boundless joy in life were an inspiration to all who knew her.

We love you, Williemay!

Williemay on her 90th birthday, December 26, 1999

E-Mail Marsi
Sure makes me sad to close Williemay's mailbox.
Please write to me if you have memories to share.

Williemay was recently featured in a film on "Aging Gracefully" which may be bought by PBS. She and I went to meet Barbara Bush in the summer of 2005 at Albion College. She traveled to see her family, of whom she was so proud, on a regular basis. She was healthy and active and kept in touch with friends and relatives all over the world, right up to the end of her time with us. She was a wonderful role model, especially for women. I was among those who were the lucky recipients of Williemay's poetry from time to time, and I'd like to share some of it HERE as an illustration of her wisdom and humor.

Artist/Poet/Philosopher

Click here for AMASON GENEALOGY PAGE
with REUNION INFORMATION.

Williemay and son Vernon