With hearts full of love and treasured memories, we announce that Willene Herndon McDuffie went to be with the Lord on March 22nd, 2026, surrounded by her devoted family.

Willene was born on December 25, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, the youngest daughter of the late Forest and Emmalou Herndon. She was a woman of grace, practicality, and quiet strength, whose life reflected deep kindness, love for others, and an appreciation for decency - qualities she cherished and shared generously with everyone she met.

She was top of her class at Brown Highschool and received a scholarship to Emory University, but ultimately decided to pursue her college education at the University of Tennessee.  Following college, she served with dedication and care as a secretary at the Georgia Power company for many years.  She also had a passion for learning and remained curious and interested in the world around her always. She was an avid follower of world events and never tired of a healthy debate along with common sense responses to modern issues.

She met her soulmate, Denny McDuffie, on a blind date in Atlanta after they had both completed college. That first dinner-and-movie outing blossomed into a lifelong love story.  They were married on October 9, 1965, and shared 61 beautiful years together.  Their early adventures included frequent nights out dancing at local Atlanta dance halls, to their shared love of movies and eating out. This led to a lifetime of sharing both good times and challenges side by side.

Willene had a special fondness for both children and animals.  She loved to watch the young children play in the park behind her house from the time her own daughter, Robin, was a child, to present day.  Her love for animals extended beyond her own (several generations of cats) to the neighborhood squirrels and birds who she would make sure to feed daily.

In addition to children and animals, Willene had a special compassion for the elderly during her tenure at St. Andrew's church in Livonia. She cared for those that did not have local family as if they were part of her own.  She believed in treating them the way she hoped to be treated, with dignity, love, and respect.

She found pure joy in watching videos of her grandchildren, Denise and Gabby, dance, delighting in every twirl.  She also treasured the funny little moments with them, like seeing Denise playing with the 'Swiffer' or recounting how she got her 'Gabby knee' when she lunged on it to keep Gabby safe from a potential fall.

Willene McDuffie's legacy is one of love, faith, and graciousness.  She taught us, by the example of her life, how to be kind, stand firm in our values, and take delight in life's simple pleasures. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in her family, friends, grandchildren, and the little 'critters' she so lovingly cared for.

She is survived by her loving husband, Denny McDuffie; her daughter, Robin (Michael) Hanselman; and her cherished granddaughters, Denise and Gabby.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, from 4–7 PM, with a funeral service on Saturday, March 28, at 10:30 AM, both at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home. A private burial will follow at Glen Eden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Willene's life. Though she did not have Alzheimer's herself, she cared for those that did.