Willene O'Brien

Harriett Willene O’Brien, age 83, passed away on the morning of Friday, May 19, 2023. Born in Pearson, GA on September 19, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Roy and LeClair Newbern.

A wonderful wife for 66 years, mother and homemaker, Willene devoted her life to serving her husband, Charles, raising their children and performing community services. She was passionate about helping and loving all people. She loved God and was a faithful parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she once served as president of St. Anne’s Guild and sang in the choir.

She enjoyed music, dancing, playing piano, gardening and most of all spending time with family. She was such a loving Grandmother and loved all children. She enjoyed working at the polls and being around people.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lowell Newbern, Mildred Summerlin, Emilie Carver, Betty Newbern; and granddaughter, Christy Willard.

Those left to cherish Willene’s memory are her loving husband, Charles E. O’Brien; children, Clair Youngblood (Tony), Chadwick E. O’Brien (Jill) and Dawn Saunders (Martin); and grandchildren, Leigh Marat, Austin Willard, James Anderson, Jacquelyn Shope, David Bennett, Marissa McCommon, Ireland O’Brien, Caolan O’Brien, Summer Peavy, Julia Saunders, and Grady Saunders, also several great grandchildren.

Willene will be laid to rest on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Perry, GA. with Brother David Fisher officiating. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 with graveside services starting at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, Charity #CH38127.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.