Last of 3 daughters born to William Henry and Clara E.
Labeled affectionately a spitfire by nephew Wendell McDavid, she led a full, interesting but some what unusual life. Also a most intriguing love affair with a man named Cornelius Morrison. More research needed here... although very much in love, initial things did not work out. She made, I'm sure, the painful decision for her career to come first. Willie made an incredible out-on-the-limb decision for a women at that time and instead went to law school. Not just any school but one far away and on the east coast - Howard University. After this major accomplishment and some 50 years later the fates smiled. One day in Houston, Willie saw Morrison, the love of her life, walking down the street. They married shortly afterward.
Further, she adopted two of his children: Mae Bell and Clementine (Clemmie). An unrelated third girl, Hattie, was a student of Willie's and was taken under her wing. The story as to how Hattie derived her unusual nickname is note worthy. If still living, Clementine resides in Virginia or near the Washington D.C. area.
The notes continue to be sketchy. Based on a 2-11-12 call, cousin Wendell indicated Willie additionally loved two things or better yet, was totally passionate with Major League baseball -- all teams, all players and photography. It would be most interesting to discover if these two interests ever merged. By 1958 both Willie and the Brooklyn Dodgers were heading west.
Insular, self absorbed and as always determined in whatever her goal -- now a widow and now residing in Los Angeles. At every opportunity she took pictures and remained close to the McDavid family. After she died, she was flown back to and buried in Houston. With great sadness, Wendell already studying at Texas Southern University (TSU), and along with his father Percy and uncle Russell, attended the funeral.
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