Louise Lilly's Obituary
Louise Lilly, affectionately known as ‘Mom’, beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and dear friend, completed her earthly mission and entered her eternal reward on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. Born on March 4th, 1937 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Louise lived a life filled with love, faith, and dedication to her family.
She attended Dudley High School, where she cultivated lifelong friendships and met the love of her life, Willie James Lilly. After he enlisted in the United States Navy, they were joined in matrimony and relocated to the San Diego. Together, they embraced the joys of raising four beautiful children and were married for 64 years until he preceded her in death, only 7 months ago.
Having been raised in church by her mother, Susie and father John, she accepted Jesus Christ at 18 and continued to serve in church faithfully. She joined Pilgrim Baptist Church of San Diego (35 years), New Hope Friendship Baptist Church (9 years), and was blessed to be a charter member of the Unity Baptist Church- later named Grace Unity- where she ministered for over 19 years with her daughter Susan, and son-in-law, Edmond as her Pastor and First Lady.
Faith was the cornerstone of Louise’s existence. She was a shining example of strength and devotion serving joyfully as a Spiritual Mother of the Church and Deaconess. She was the Leader of the Pastor’s Support Ministry and lifted her voice as a lead soloist in the Sanctuary Choir. She loved teaching the young people in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She would often be found teaching her grand and great-grandchildren Bible Stories. When she was not teaching, she was writing a church play for her students to perform including grueling rehearsal hours and live props. You could not escape hearing or learning about the Lord Jesus if you were ever in her presence. She was truly a sold-out, strong solider.
Even when enduring numerous health challenges, she never wavered in her belief in the Lord. She believed that God was an ‘on-time God and although he may not come when you wanted Him, He would be there right on time’. She loved the Lord with all her heart and remained steadfast and unmovable until the very end. Her unwavering spirit and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew her.
Louise's legacy will forever be treasured by her daughters Kathy Hoyer (Lester) and Susan Perkins (Edmond), her sons Darron Lilly and Kevin Lilly, sister Shirley Day, grandchildren Kory, Brandon, Bryant, Ejay, Ciara, Evan, Darion, Deion, Daren, Dominique, and her great-grandchildren Alyssa, Melody, Nehemiah and Isaiah. She left a giant heart print with her devoted caregivers, Sarah, Diona, Cheryl and Tina and a host of dear friends and extended family members.
Today, we remember Louise Lilly-Mom, Gee-Gee, Mother Lilly, Auntie, Sister, Cousin and Friend. A woman of unwavering faith, boundless love, and incredible strength. Her selflessness and commitment to her family and friends will continue to inspire and guide us. Her soul is at eternal peace. She is at home, at sweet rest and has no more pain. SHE IS FINALLY FREE and her memory will forever live in our hearts. Rest well… until we meet again.
What’s your fondest memory of Louise?
What’s a lesson you learned from Louise?
Share a story where Louise's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Louise you’ll never forget.
How did Louise make you smile?
