"She is more precious than rubies." Proverbs 3:15

Willie Mae (Bockhorn) Tielke went to be with her beloved Savior on Monday, October 28, 2019, at the age of 93.

Willie Mae was born to Edward and Dorothea Bockhorn on March 15, 1926 in Needville, Texas. She attended school in Needville and graduated from Richmond High School. Willie Mae lived in Needville for all of her life. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Rosenberg and has been a member of Immanuel Evangelical Church in Needville for over 60 years.

Willie Mae married Melvin John Tielke on November 28, 1946. They shared almost 73 years of love and laughter together.

Willie Mae lived by the motto "the more the merrier," and was happiest when she was surrounded by her family and friends. She was known far and wide for her fabulous cooking, and her Thanksgiving dressing was legendary. Her home was always open and welcoming. If you stopped by for a visit, she'd tell you to pull up a chair because she was going to feed you—it was just her way of showing her love.

Willie Mae was gracious, gentle and kind. She loved to read, dance, camp, fish, and play dominoes and cards. Hers was a quiet but quick sense of humor and oh goodness, she was full of spunk.

Willie Mae had the greatest love for her Lord and for her family. She had many roles in her life, but her favorite was that of Grandma. Those that got to call her Granna were blessed beyond measure by her care.

Willie Mae leaves behind her lifetime love Melvin John and family: son Kerry and wife Mary of Hunt; daughter Lynn and husband Thomas Sury of Richmond, daughter Cindy and husband Mike Nulisch of Needville; 7 grandchildren: Teresa Bosse, Jason Tielke, Joshua Tielke, Gene Sury, Dana Maresh, Justin Nulisch and Jayme Emmons and their spouses, and 18 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Caroline Macik, Viola Fuchs, and Marje Janacek and many nieces and nephews.

We know that when she walked through those heavenly gates, she was given her great granddaughter Haverly to hold and love while being surrounded by her parents and sisters: Freda Klawitter, Ida Schulze, Dora Guttenberger along with many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A special thanks to her loving caregivers Kendra Schesser, Nicole Walton Sierra and Betty McClendon whom she considered part of her family and to Houston Hospice of El Campo for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be on Friday, November 1, 2019,  from 12:30 - 2:00 PM at Immanuel Evangelical Church, 9018 Church Street,Needville, TX 77461. The Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 PM Friday at Immanuel Evangelical Church, with burial following at Immanuel Evangelical Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Evangelical Church Cemetery Fund, Houston Hospice of El Campo. or to a charity of choice.

Condolence messages may be written for the Tielke family at www.garmanycarden.com .

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street/Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.