Willie Mae Hubbard

In Loving Memory of Willie Mae Hubbard

Willie Mae Hubbard was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 25, 2025. She departed this world surrounded by her loving family: her beloved husband Gene Hubbard, her daughter Phyllis Burnside and Donnie Duckworth, her sisters Violet Neighbors, and Sheba Moses. As she departed, those around her offered loving embraces, welcoming her peacefully into her heavenly home.

Born on August 2, 1937, in Celina, Texas to Hervie Milem and Fannie Ethel Burchett, Willie Mae grew up in the Celina, Frisco, and Plano area of Texas. Her family were sharecropper farmers, and from a young age, she worked alongside her siblings on the farm. She cherished her childhood and the memories she created with her parents and her ten siblings. When farm work allowed, she attended school, completing ninth grade.

Willie Mae met Gene Hubbard in January 1979. At the time, she had two daughters and three grandchildren, and Gene had three young sons. On October 6, 1979, they were married, blending their families together. To Willie Mae and Gene, there were never any stepchildren—they were simply a family united by love, not just by blood.

Willie Mae became a long-haul truck driver after meeting Gene, and together they traveled the country for 22 years. Their journeys created lasting memories, and she treasured the time spent on the road with Gene, experiencing places and adventures she might not have otherwise seen. Upon returning home, she delighted in sharing stories of her travels. Summers were often spent taking children and grandchildren on the road with them, creating cherished family experiences.

Willie Mae’s love for her family was boundless. She was always ready to help anyone in need and never met a stranger, striking up conversations with everyone she encountered, even those waiting in line at the store. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and expressed her love through cooking, baking, and making candies. Willie Mae always made sure her guests enjoyed plentiful meals at her home, and anyone who left hungry did so by their own choosing, she consistently cooked more than enough for everyone.

She was predeceased by her parents, Hervie Milem and Fannie Ethel Burchett; her daughter, Darla Rene Buice; her sisters, Bertie Krantz, Barbara Hill, Mary Lou Ferguson, Joyce McDaniels, and Connie Wallace; as well as her brothers, J.D. Burchett, Billy Burchett, and Charles Burchett.

Willie Mae is survived by her devoted husband Gene Hubbard; her sisters and spouses Violet Neighbors, Sheba, and Joel Moses, and Morris Wallace; her children and their spouses—daughter Phyllis Burnside and Donnie Duckworth of Merit, TX; sons David and Heather Hubbard of Howey-In-The-Hills, FL; Donovan and Tammy Hubbard of Bradenton, FL; and Glenn Hubbard of Mt. Dora, FL. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Stephanie Brodersen of Rockport, TX; Steven Harpold of Cedar Park, TX; Amber Youngblood of Little Elm, TX; Kasey Sizemore of North Richland Hills, TX; Trena Duckworth of Celeste, TX; Gary Burnside of Highland Village, TX; Stacey Murphy of Ector, TX; Steven Hubbard of Lincolnton North Carolina; Justin Hubbard of Mt. Dora, FL; Gracie Hubbard of Vero Beach, FL; Baily Hubbard of Eustis, FL; Marissa Gaffney of Savannah, TX; Serria Hubbard of Aubrey, TX; Abbey Hubbard of Howey-In-The-Hills, FL; and Christian Hubbard of Howey-In-The-Hills, FL. Her family includes many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Remembering Willie Mae

If there were only one word to describe Willie Mae Hubbard, it would be "Kind."

Willie Mae's family has requested, in lieu of flowers, for a donation in Willie Mae's honor to be made to a woman's shelter. A beautiful organization to consider is Hope's Door New Beginning Center .