Our beloved mother, Mozell McAbee, 94, passed on Sunday, Oct. 17 at Brandel Manor in Turlock. She passed from this life into eternity to “Sleep in Jesus” and awaits the resurrection of the dead according to the Bible in the Gospel of John 5:28, 29, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, I Corinthians 15:51-57 and Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6.

Mother was born in Wolfe City, Texas the sixth child of James Harvey and Hattie Mae Bailey and the last of their surviving children. Mother was preceded in death by siblings, Buck, Johnny, Woodrow, Eula Mae, Bernice, L.D. and Lennie.

Our mother had 11 children, five of whom survive her, Joyce Helton (Donal) of Merced, Vada Derry (Ray-deceased) of Chowchilla, William McAbee (Babe) of Redding, Tommy McAbee (Jeanie) of Raymond and Wylie D. McAbee (Colleen) of Turlock. She is also survived by 38 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren.

Mrs. McAbee was preceded in death by her husband, W.W. McAbee; children, Carol Marley, Bobby McAbee, Billy Eugene McAbee, Patsy Ann McAbee and two still-born children; granddaughter, Davina McAbee; great granddaughter, Sarah Helton, great great grandson, Brian Dale Helton; and great grandson, Trevor McAbee.

Mozell McAbee, aka Sister McAbee, faithfully attend The Gospel Defenders Church in Chowchilla, which later became Assemblies of God. Mother attended church faithfully for decades. Although the church became Assemblies of God, our precious mother in her heart considered herself to be a member of The Gospel Defenders Church.

Our special thanks to the entire staff at Brandel Manor and to Hospice of Emanuel. The McAbee family will be forever in your debt for the care and many kindnesses to us during this most difficult time.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Home, 286 W. Main St., Turlock. Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21 at The Cathedral of Faith, 1504 W. Robertson Blvd., Chowchilla. Officiating will be her son, Wylie D. McAbee, Christ Church-Apostolic; grandson, James Shelton, Assemblies of God; and Pastor Johnny Hilton of The Gospel Defenders Church in Merced. Interment will immediately follow at the Chowchilla District Cemetery.