Willie Lee New Grant, 80, of Coahoma, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 8, 2004, surrounded by her family. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, August 10, 2004 at the Coahoma Cemetery with Rev. Elwin Collom, pastor of First Baptist Church of Coahoma, officiating. Willie was born on February 24, 1924, in Sparenburg, Texas to Clem and Thelma Thomas. She married Thomas Jefferson New on June 3, 1939 and he preceded her in death on November 26, 1966. She then married Loyd Ray Grant on February 24, 1972 and he preceded her in death on March, 5, 1994 .Willie lived most of her life in the Big Spring and Coahoma area. She worked for the Coahoma School system for many years and also the City of Coahoma. She became a Howard County Justice of the Peace in 1983 and retired in 1994 from office to care for her ailing husband. She loved being a J.P. and everyone that she had worked with. She was an avid Texas Ranger fan.Survivors include four sons and two daughters-in-law, Roy and Cheryl New of Big Spring; Steve New, Tommy New and Rocky and Sheri New all of Coahoma; three daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and Bo Trawick of Merkel, Patsy and Charles Burns of Abilene and Rhonda Quay and Jerry Baker of Odessa; eleven grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Nelda Thomas of San Antonio; one aunt, Geraldine Parrish of Big Spring; several nieces and nephews and many friends.Willie's family was her pride and joy. The following poem, written by an anonymous writer, was the way she wanted to express her feeling to her family."To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me"When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie youreself to me with tears. Be thankful for our beautiful years. I gave to you my love. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for time that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on, so if you need me call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near, all my love around you, soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say, "Welcome Home."Willie was also preceded in death by parents; step-father, Curtis Thomas; one brother, Billy Paul Thomas and one sister, Johnnie Faye McComas. The family suggests memorials to Home Hospice, 600 South Gregg St., Big Spring, Texas, 79720.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
