Wilhelmena "Willie" Augusta Yerby Tuten

Wilhelmena "Willie" Augusta Yerby Tuten, 88, of Charleston, SC, entered into the gates of Heaven on August 16, 2018. She faced Alzheimer's for five years and we now rejoice that she is of sound mind and at peace. Wilhelmena was born in Charleston, SC, on May 19, 1930, to Anna Wilhelmena Heinsohn Yerbyand Benjamin Marler Yerby, Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Tuten, Sr., her parents, her sister Margaret Conley and her brother Benjamin Marler Yerby.

Willie graduated Valedictorian from North Charleston High School and later attended Rice Business College. She was employed at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and excelled at her job. She became a full time homemaker when she had children, which was very important to her.

She loved her Lord, her family, her pets and many friends. Willie loved her church, Martin Luther Lutheran Church, where she was a founding member. She could often be seen polishing the brass, preparing communion, and keeping nursery. She had many friends and enjoyed her weekly Bible Study Group.
Willie found great happiness in rescuing and caring for her pets. They provided each other with great comfort. She had a deep love for all animals.
Willie could always be seen helping others. She helped her homebound friends and neighbors. She visited with them, picked up their groceries and medicine and took them to doctor's appointments. She was a loyal, loving friend.

Willie is survived by her three children, Cindy Piggott (Dale) of Kingwood, Texas, Melissa Chapman of Lexington, SC and her son, James R. Tuten, Jr. of Mount Pleasant, SC. Jimmy loved his mother and was faithfully with her every day for the last five years as her Alzheimer's progressed.
Eight grandchildren - Paul David McLendon (Alicia), Aaron McLendon (Shastan), Luke McLendon, Andrew McLendon, Anna Margaret Chapman, Emma O'Connor, Abby O'Connor and Isla O'Connor.

Six great grandchildren-Blake McLendon, Terris Light, Hailey Goynes, Coastal McLendon, Austin McLendon and Hunter Gilmore.
And several nieces and nephews including her godson, Dr. Thomas Conley (Elaine), who brought her great joy with frequent phone calls and letters.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caregivers at Ashley Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center and to Lutheran Hospice for their compassion and support.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church on James Island. Family and friends will gather in the church fellowship hall following the service for a time of sharing.

Memorials may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1605 Harbor View Road, Charleston, SC 29412 and/or Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.