Willie Ross Ryals Mcmullian

Mrs. Willie Ross Ryals McMullian died at her home in Dellwood, FL. Friday, October 31, 2008. She was 93 years old. Mrs. McMullian was a native of Dellwood and in fact moved back to the community in 2000 and lived just across a small road from where she was born on December 10, 1914. She was the daughter of Dr. Charles Howell Ryals and Dannie Cherry Nichols Ryals. In 1934 she married Andrew J. (Jack) McMullian and they had 68 years together. He passed away in 2002. They live in Marianna for 60 years, reared their four children there and became a vital part of the community. Mrs. McMullian played the piano beautifully and in earlier years was much in demand to accompany soloist, quartets, and other groups for special gatherings. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Marianna where she was very active in the Morning Circle of the United Methodist Women and a participant in many other church activities. For 41 years she attended church services at Dellwood Methodist Church on Sunday afternoons where she played the piano and taught Sunday School. Her family was the focus of her life, and she was much loved as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Of course, she was a good cook and the grandchildren looked forward to that when they came to see her. She is survived by three sons, Andy McMullian and wife, Betty, of Tallahassee, Amos McMullian and wife, Jackie, of Thomasville, GA., Saunders McMullian and wife, Sara of New York City; one daughter, Cherry Klappas and husband, Tony of Dellwood; nine grandchildren, Alice Shirey, Ryals McMullian, Jr., Britton Josey, Christy Gumberg, Sharon McMullian, Rob Eaton, Teri Sands, Maria Hicks and Pete Klappas, and 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Mozelle Olive, of Webb, AL.; a sister-in-law, Louise McMullian of Tallahassee; many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. Mrs. McMullian will be greatly missed by a host of other relatives and friends. The family appreciates Gail Hall, Nadine Hagen, Shelly Hood and all the care givers for their loving care of Mrs. McMullian. Also, the family is grateful to Dr. Joe Gay and to Emerald Coast Hospice for their loving care and compassion. The funeral will be Tuesday, November 4, at 2 p.m. CST at Dellwood Methodist Church with Dr. Bob McKibben officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. Visitation will be Monday, November 3rd, from 6-8 p.m.CST at the Ryals Home in Dellwood. Also, the family will receive friends after the funeral service Tuesday at Dellwood Farms. Family request flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, 2901 Caledonia St., Marianna 32446, or Emerald Coast Hospice, 4374 Lafayette St., Marianna,