Merphatene J. Willingham was born on May 13, 1946 to the late Fred Jorden, Sr and the late Jessie Mae Jorden. She departed her life April 17, 2021 at Baptist East Hospital. She was married to the late Richard Lee Willingham, Sr. They married for thirty-three years until he went home to glory. She was also proceeded in death by her son Richard Willingham, Jr.

She confessed Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of Miracle Temple Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Benjamin Smith. She served as an Elder of the church and on the Mother’s Board. She also worked in the Children Church.

Being the oldest of five children in the Jorden family, she was well known as Big Sis, Mini-Mookie, Tina and Tene. She was a praying mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, friends and everyone in the community.

She was retired from the Board of Education where she was employed with them for thirty-years.

She left a legacy of love, honor and respect with those whom she leaves behind three daughters Angela Wilson (Carlos), Rhonda Beard, and Ava Kent. All of Memphis, TN. Four siblings Vera Henderson, Annanoise (Leroy) Frazier, Vatra (Freddie) Watkins and Fred Jorden, Jr along with sixteen grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her goddaughter, Dejah Henry-Reed and godson, Harold Henry, Jr. of Baltimore, MD along with a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, other relatives and friends.

A Public viewing is scheduled for Friday April 23, 2021 from 4 pm until 6 pm at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Service of celebration will be Saturday April 24, 2021 at 12 PM, Miracle Temple Ministries, 700 Church Rd E, Southaven, MS. Interment will be Monday April 26, 2021 in West Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery at 9:30 am.