Ola Lee Machen

February 5, 1929 – September 15, 2026

With sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Ola Lee Machen, who peacefully passed away in her home in Norfolk, Virginia, on September 15, 2026, at the age of 97.

Ola was born on February 5, 1929, in Seneca, South Carolina, to the late James Irvin Williams and Iola Harrison Williams. One of eleven children, she grew up surrounded by family alongside her four brothers and six sisters.

Ola married at a young age and embraced a life centered around family, becoming the devoted mother of five children. She and her husband, Simpson Machen, shared 57 years of marriage until his passing in 2004. As a military wife and mother, Ola dedicated herself to raising their children and caring for their home, often carrying the responsibilities of family life while Simpson was away serving in the United States Navy. Her strength, independence, and devotion provided her children with a loving and stable foundation.

For Ola, caring for her family was not simply a role—it was a life she poured herself into with love and purpose.

Ola was known for her style, class, and grace. She took great pride in her appearance and was especially admired for her beautiful hats. She carried herself with quiet dignity and an elegance that made her unforgettable to those who knew her.

Her life was marked by steadfast love and devotion to those she held dear. Ola gave herself wholeheartedly to her family, offering the care, support, and presence that helped shape not only the home she built, but the generations that followed. Her love was not always expressed through grand words, but through her faithful care, personal sacrifices, and enduring affection.

She will be remembered with pride, gratitude, and tenderness as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and matriarch—a woman whose presence brought beauty, love, and grace to the lives of those around her.

Ola leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Audrey Williams; her children, Gayle E. Wilson, Michael G. Machen, Milton L. Machen, and Billy W. Machen; her grandchildren, Corey Machen, Felicia Stokely (Alan), Litesah Wilson, and Jason Carter; her bonus granddaughter, Carolina Madrid; her great-grandchildren, Lamani Williams, Alexa B. Madrid, Aaron Williams, Jr., Arielle Gilliam, Gianna Gilliam, Lauryn Williams, Brooklyn Machen Madrid, and Celine Machen Madrid; her bonus great-great-grandchildren, Amina and Tyrus Knox; and cherished family friend, Susan Carter.

Ola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Simpson Machen; her son, Joseph L. Machen; her parents, James and Iola Williams; and her siblings, Verrenis Beatty, Bonnie Wilson, Roger Williams, Rosevelt Williams, Alice Williams, Darlene Williams, Lottie Williams, John Williams, and Robert Williams.

At 97 years old, Ola leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves generations of family forever connected by the foundation she helped build. Her strength lives on in those she raised, her love in those she cherished, and her unmistakable style and grace in the memories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come.

Her life was long, her love was lasting, and her legacy will live on through every generation that carries a piece of her with them