Willamae “Mae” Huckaby, 86, of New Haven, Connecticut, passed away peacefully after a long battle with dementia. Born on July 31, 1939, she dedicated her life to serving others and making positive impacts in her community.
Mae built a distinguished career as a probation officer for the State of Connecticut, touching countless lives with a compassionate approach and a pathway to a fresh start. She furthered her commitment to service by earning a master’s degree in social work and supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in their transition back into the community.
Following her retirement, Mae remained active in the community. She served as secretary of the Newhall Senior Center and church treasurer for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where she was a devoted and beloved member.
Mae had a zest for life, which was evident in her love for line dancing and traveling. Her warm smile and giving spirit touched everyone she met.
She leaves behind her loving daughter, Desiree Michele Taylor, who provided devoted care during her final years. She is also survived by her cousins, Roy and Fleecia Threatt; their daughters, Nerissa and Holly Threatt; her nephew and niece-in-law, Derrick and Zeb Powell; their five sons, Derrick Jr., Darin, Dylan, David, and Diamond; the extended Huckaby family; lifelong friend Geraldine Rollins; and goddaughters Nikki Owens-Nunez and Nathalie Rollins.
Mae’s legacy of service, compassion, and community involvement will live on through the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.
A celebration of her life and legacy will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Curvin K. Council Funeral Home, 128 Dwight Street, New Haven. Family and friends may attend a visitation from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
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A true legend of Class and Beauty. Grateful for the many years we spent together. The memories will be Cherished.
Love and Blessings ,
Cousin Michelle aka Shelly
Desiree, Derrick, Roy, Felicia & the entire extended family “May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you”. My deepest condolences.
Mae Huckaby: A sassy and classy lady!!
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear mother. I hope your happy memories will help you through these difficul t times.
Desiree cared for her mother with such love and devotion in her final days. May we hold close all the beautiful memories of her life and find comfort in the way she embraced every moment. As we celebrate her life, may she rest in eternal peace — free from heartache and pain.
To the family of my dear friend Mae.
I am truly sorry to hear of her passing.
At the same time I am pleased that she is at peace with the Lord.
She was my buddy and my dance partner at our class reunions at Hillhouse High School.
I visited with Mae a few week ago with the help of Geraldine Bizzell Rollins.
I will miss her terribly!
Rest in peace!
Brotherly love, TEO
I worked with Mae in New Haven for over 12 years and is was always a pleasure to be in her company. A classy lady with just the right touch of candor and compassion with a little tough love mixed in ! She certainly left her mark and will be missed. May she RIP 🙏.
Mae left us so many happy memories. I pray that God will comfort you and give you peace during this challenging time. God bless you all.
With deepest sympathy to Desiree and family. Mae will always be remembered as and compassionate and caring person.
The family is in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve your loss. I’m blessed to have known her. We went way back and she will be missed. With deepest sympathies. Dede Guarino
To Mae’s family, I was heartbroken to hear of Mae’s passing. We often kept in touch in years gone by. Her loving spirit and beautiful smile will shine all over heaven for all the good she’s done here on earth. I wish
You God’s perfect peace as you walk this journey. Cynthia
To my dear friend Desiree, May Our Divine Creator through family and friends comfort you during your time of bereavement. Stay encouraged with love, gratitude, and forgiveness; day-by-day peace will find you.
Miss Huckaby was a very stylish and upstanding Woman. She was very fair and very good with helping people. When I was a teenager in the 1980’s,she was MY probation Officer and,again,I say,she was very fair and tried to help people often. It saddened me to see this,yet,I wish that I had seen her SINCE then,to say “Thank you” for the help that she imparted into my life! Though she didn’t “play”,she demanded respect and understood kids and people from the neighborhood. My prayers are sent up on behalf of her family and my condolences go out TO the family. In Jesus’ Name,Amen ,~
I just learned of Mae’s passing my condolences to the family. She will be sorely missed my brother John sends love to the and we’re praying that God will ease the pain of her loss and strengthen the family