WILLIE MAE LADSON

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Willie Mae Ladson, age 95, passed away peacefully at Baptist Medical Center-Downtown, Wednesday, July 8, 2020. She was born on July 12, 1924, in Mobile, Ala. to Edward Hamilton and Ellen Sams Hamilton. She was the only child born to this union. After the passing of her mother when Willie Mae was 14, she lived with her Aunt Caroline and Uncle John Williams. She attended schools in Mobile and graduated from Mobile County High School in 1940. After completing high school she went on to study cosmetology. Upon completion of her studies, she became licensed to practice cosmetology in the state of Alabama.

            She met the love of her life, Alfred Ladson, Sr. while he was visiting his relatives in Mobile. They would marry Aug. 19, 1942. Days after their marriage, he would ship out to basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. Willie Mae stayed in Mobile but traveled with him briefly.

            Willie Mae worked for a time in a few beauty shops around Mobile. However, desiring to work from the home while caring for a growing family, led to the opening of a beauty shop behind the Ladson home at 406 St. Charles Avenue in 1952.  Ladson’s Beauty Shop attracted clients from across Mobile and surrounding areas, as well as community residents, fellow church members, family, and friends. She continued working in her shop until the family moved to San Antonio in 1968.

            After moving to San Antonio, Willie Mae received her license to practice cosmetology in the state of Texas.

            She worked as a Program Assistant for the Texas A&M University Agricultural Extension Service from 1970 until her retirement in 1991. As a Program Assistant, she enjoyed working with and helping residents in the East and Southeast sectors of the city learn about nutrition and sharing nutritious budget-friendly recipes.

            The San Antonio Altrusa Social and Civic Club named her Mother of the Year in May of 1991.

            She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. In Mobile, she was a member of Ebenezer AME Zion Church, where she sang in the Gospel Choir and served as President of the Young Progressive Women’s Club. Upon moving to San Antonio she united with St. Joseph A.M.E. Church where she served the church in various capacities including YPD Director, Missionary President, Stewardess, Steward, and Trustee. She was a Life Member of the Missionary Society. She joined Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in 2012. 

            She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred Ladson Sr.; brother, George Hamilton; daughter, Ceola Ladson Miller (Joe Nathan); daughter-in-love, Geraldine Wilson Ladson; grandchild, Clarence Ladson Sr.; great-grandchild, Clarence Ladson Jr. (CJ); and Goddaughter, Marva Powe Tiller.

            She leaves to cherish a lifetime of wonderful memories, children, Rev. Marilyn Ladson Andrews, Alfred Ladson Jr., Beverly Ladson Flowers (Roland), and Rev. Cynthia Ladson all of San Antonio; brother, Edward Hamilton Jr., sister Delores Hamilton Willis, both of Mobile, Ala.; 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 22 great, great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

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