Maria Bone Battle

Maria Bone Battle was born September 25, 1936 in Gurley, AL to the late Roy Bone and Mary Bone Wyatt. She passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband in their home on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 after a brief illness. “Ree Ree”, as she was affectionately called by those close to her, attended Councill Training School, as did her children, and Councill High School which were located just up the road from her Huntsville, AL home.

She was introduced to Ben Battle Sr. by one of her best friends Willie Mae Battle, who would later become her sister in-law. Maria said the sight of him sent chills up her spine. She knew he was the one for her. After a brief courtship, Ben and Maria were married on March 29, 1956. At that time Maria did not want children, but she said if she had them she wanted to be the world’s best mom. And that she was. Ben and Maria had three children, and with her being the person she was, she gave up having a secular career to raise her children. Maria also became a mother figure to many others along the way.

From an early age, Maria had a thirst for spiritual things, so she “joined church” as they called it back in the day. However this particular church practiced sprinkling when it came to baptism, and she felt in her heart that this was not right. Maria insisted that the minister take her to a neighboring church to completely immerse her in a pool. After she and her family moved to Rhode Island, Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on her door. Maria began a Bible study, during which she discovered that she was right about water baptism. She continued her studies and made the most important decision in her life by dedicating her life to Jehovah and symbolizing it on September 7, 1965.

Later in life, Maria had the privilege of serving as a regular pioneer (full-time Bible teacher) for four and a half years, which allowed her the privilege to attend Pioneer Training School. She also had the privilege to serve as an auxiliary pioneer throughout her spiritual career. Maria continued to witness to others right up to the final days of her life.

Maria was sweet as the brownies she was famous for making, but she also was known for telling it “like it is”. She loved to travel when she could, loved to laugh, and had a quick wit about her. She was always giving, even up to her last few days. But even more important than these things, her family would like Maria to be remembered for her strong faith in Jehovah, the God she served, and remembered for her courage as well as her strength. She constantly reminded us that this life and its trials are only temporary. She would say things like, “I’ll go to sleep for a little while, but I’ll see y’all soon. Don’t worry about me; I’ll be okay. Worry about yourself, and keep serving Jehovah!” And she would also say, “Whether I live or die, my life is in Jehovah’s hands.” What a brave woman!

She was preceded in death by her daughter Alissa Avery. Maria will be dearly missed by her loving and devoted husband of almost 60 years, Ben Battle Sr.; two children, Loraine (Lamarr) Ragin and Ben Battle Jr.; granddaughter, who was the apple of her eye, Chyna Battle; brother Ronald Wyatt; brother-in-law Edmon Battle Jr. all of Huntsville, AL; sister-in-law Willie Mae (Wesley) Smith of Clarksville, TN; Earline Dockery of Huntsville, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a worldwide association of Christian brothers.

Whether it was in the form of prayers, visits, cards, food, flowers, calls or kind words, the family is truly indebted to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and our spiritual family during this difficult time. Special thanks to Hospice of North Alabama and the staff of Crestwood Medical Center. The Battle family extends a heartfelt appreciation to all for a wealth of love, support and concern graciously shown by so many of you.

You may visit with the family on Friday, January 15, 2016 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Valhalla Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 2818 Winchester Road NW, Huntsville. AL 35810. Interment will immediately follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Please sign the guest registry at www.valhallafunerals.com.