Willie Mae Young Madden departed this life on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was born in Shreveport, LA to the late Maude Williams Young and Felix Young on January 31, 1927. She married the love of her life, Wilson Monroe Madden, Sr., and together they had six children.
Willie Mae decided she wanted to be a barber, so she attended Vaughn’s Barbering School in Hartford, CT. She proudly graduated and received her barber license within a few years. She opened Willie Mae’s Barbershop at 291 Dixwell Avenue in the city of New Haven, CT. She was a pioneer for black women as she was the first Black Lady Barber in the state of Connecticut. She stood on her feet for many years cutting hair until her retirement after over 50 years. She had lots of customers, and everyone loved Willie Mae’s Barbershop. She had friendly barbers that worked in the shop with her.
Willie Mae was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church for many years. She sang with the gospel choir and was also a member of the usher board.
She leaves to mourn, Theresa Madden (Melvin) Daniels of New Haven, CT, Maudell Madden of Hamden, CT, Consuella Madden of New Haven, CT, and Billy Madden of CA; 15 grandchildren; 27 (plus one expected this month) great-grandchildren; 17 great great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Wilson M. Madden, Sr.; sons, Wilson M. Madden, Jr. and Gregory Monroe Madden; parents, Felix and Maude Young; brothers, Louis Young, Lawrence Young, and Allen Young; and sisters, Carrie Mae Young Watley, Ruthell Young Allen, and Ruthenia Young Washington.
A celebration of her life will take place Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Bethel AME Church, 255 Goffe St, New Haven, CT 06511. Friend may call Tuesday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Hamden Plains Cemetery, Hamden. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT. To leave a message of comfort for the Madden family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com