Ida Mae Battle

Ida Mae Grant Battle was born on September 14, 1935, to parents, Thomas Grant and Annie Mae Jefferson in Jasper, (Hamilton County) Florida. She attended J. R. E. Lee High School in Jasper, Florida. Eager to be with her brother C. J. Clark and family, in the mid 50’s Ida Mae relocated to Winter Garden, Florida. Her excellent culinary and cooking skills landed her a job at Gladys Restaurant on Center Street. In later years, she was employed with the Head Start Program in Oakland, Florida and Sunland Hospital in Orlando, Florida. Still searching for a “perfect job,” she found it with the McKinnon family of Winter Garden, Florida. Ida Mae retired, after giving the family 20 plus years of dedicated service. Ida Mae met the love of her life, J. B. Battle, and they were united in Holy Matrimony on December 28, 1989. She was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and family person. She always put the interest of her husband and children first. She saw to it that they were given the very best she could provide in loving care, spiritual nourishment and material comfort. Ida Mae was also a very loyal and faithful member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She gave of her time, talent and resources. She was active in every phase of the church; it did not matter whether she was a member of the auxiliary or not. She was driver for the Prayer Band, member of the Senior Women Mission, Golden Angels, Sunday School, Culinary Staff, one of the founders of the Bereavement Committee, Youth Department, traveled with her beloved Male Chorus and served as president for both the Combined Choir and the MLK, Jr. Memorial Choir. She was small in stature, but she was a “MIGHTY WARRIOR, on the battlefield for the Lord.” Ida Mae was a beacon of light for those seeking their way. On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Ida Mae was called to her eternal resting place, where there is no more sickness or pain. She is Safe in His arms. Her life will continue through her legacy and influence in the many lives she touched. Her beautiful smile and gentle spirit will remain in our hearts forever. She was preceded in death by: her parents, Thomas Grant and Annie Mae Jefferson; brother, C. J. Clark; sister, Gussie Grant; cousin, Wilbur Sanse; brothers-in-law, Thomas Only, Andrew Battle, and Tracy Battle; sisters-in-law, Roxie Harden and Annie Ruth Morss. She leaves cherished memories with: her devoted Husband of 33 years, J. B. Battle; loving Children, Lervesca Williams, Toby Williams, Jr., Coralee Ashley, Pamela Washington (Byron), Kenneth Williams (Beverly); Step-daughter, Sophia Battle; Sisters, Lilar Only and Lula Mae Tucker (Benjamin); 18 Grandchildren; 25 Great-grandchildren; Brothers-in-law, W. C. Battle, Manual Battle, Eddie Lee Battle, Lawrence Battle, Otis Battle (Ramona), Benjamin Battle (Emma); Sister-in-law, Ida Mae Morss; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, Bethlehem Church family and sorrowing friends.

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Ida Mae Battle

September 14, 1935 - October 29, 2023