Mrs. Willie Ree Altman

Willie Ree Orvin Altman, 88, formerly of Alma, GA, residing in Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully at home on September 28. Willie was born in Appling County, GA on February 16,1936 to Alexis Ray and Ella Mae Burke Orvin. Willie was the fourth-born of ten children and graduated from Jeff Davis High School where she played on four state championship basketball teams and was recognized as an all-state player. Willie’s interest in sports continued throughout her life. She had a special affinity for the Atlanta Braves. She knew every player by name and seldom missed a broadcast. She also pulled for the Falcons and Bulldogs. Willie enjoyed the outdoors. She was an expert gardener who maintained a beautiful flower garden at her home in Alma and worked in her garden into her 80’s. She treasured a sweet friendship with her neighbor and fellow church member, Patsy Thompson. Willie was employed in the office at Hazlehurst Mills before beginning a long and distinguished career in Alma with General Gas and the subsequent owners of this company. She considered it a special honor to serve farmers and others in rural areas of Bacon and neighboring counties. Prior to her move to Columbia SC in 2018 to live with her son, Willie was an active member of Alma First Church of the Nazarene where she served in numerous roles through the years — Board of Elders, church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and missionary president. She had a deep appreciation for missionaries, whom she supported with her prayers and gifts. Willie was an avid reader who loved to read the Bible, books about biblical characters, and the biographies of great American patriots. She was well-informed about current events and prayed often for spiritual revival in America. The family is grateful for the loving care provided to Willie by Jasmine and Larrie from Solutions for Living at Home, Doris and others from Lighthouse Hospice Group, and Rita, her weekend and evening caregiver. Willie is survived by her son, Stephen J. “Steve” Altman (Janet) of Columbia, SC, her sister, Winnie Orvin Carter (Doug) of Pendergrass, GA, her sister-in-law Sandra McDonald Orvin of Alma, GA, grandsons Michael J Altman (Emily) of Tuscaloosa, AL and Matthew L Altman of Columbia SC, great grandchildren Stein, Ollie, Gideon, and Bea Altman of Tuscaloosa, AL, her step-daughter Donna Carol Altman Cofty of Bainbridge, GA and sons, Patrick and Eric, her granddaughter Dana Malcom Threatt (Norm) of Claxton GA and children Elaina and Reese; her grandson, Jay Altman of Atlanta, GA. Numerous well-loved nieces and nephews also survive. Willie was preceded in death by her parents, Alexis and Ella Mae Orvin, her husband John J. Altman, II, brothers: Huey Ray “Buster” Orvin, Henry Wade “Sam” Orvin, Franklin Delano Orvin, Robert Greeley “Bob” Orvin, Cecil Orvin, sisters: Fay Orvin Beck, Eleanor Orvin Vickery, and Geneva Orvin Simmons; her step-son, John Jay Altman, III, her step-daughter Cherry Altman Malcom, her grandson 1st Lt. Dan T Malcom, USMC. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene, Alma, GA, with Rev. Steve Altman, Dr. Doug Carter, and Rev. Dan Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at the Altman Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church at 1:00 PM. Shives Funeral Home, Columbia, SC and Crosby Funeral Home, Alma, GA are assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Alma First Church of the Nazarene.

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Mrs. Willie Ree Altman

February 16, 1936 - September 28, 2024