Mrs Minnie A. Lilly Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Minnie's Story Minnie A. Lilly, 87, went into the garden of heaven on Saturday, January 1, 2011. Our beloved, loving mother, devoted grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, our “Good Mama”, had her faith become sight as she entered the arms of her Savior. She came into this world on August 24, 1923, as the precious daughter of Alice Lewis and Tiburcio Villegas in Hempstead, Texas. At the passing of her parents she was adopted by a loving couple, Ed and Julia Jones. At an early age she confessed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Mt. Corinth Baptist Church. She spent her childhood in Hempstead where she graduated from Sam Schwartz High School. On July 16, 1942, she united in marriage with the late Rev. O. A. Lilly, Sr. This marriage produced ten beautiful children. They began to travel throughout Texas doing the work of the Lord in ministry, to various churches. Later Minnie pursued a career in nursing and spent many years caring for other. Her children remember Minnie as the “sweetest and most loving mother imaginable.” She doted on her family. Minnie loved to cook and worked hard preparing delicious home-cooked meals. Blessed with a natural wit, and intuitive and inquisitive mind, a gregarious nature and a thirst and longing for perfection, Minnie participated in life with the sensitivity and passion of Jeremiah, the zeal of Ezekiel, the authority of Elijah, and the will to work of Nehemiah. Her life truly is a reflection of her own personal philosophy: “One should live a life of service with emphasis on involvement in that which will assist mankind in the continuous struggle toward complete fulfillment of the purpose of existence.” Minnie’s nurturing spirit grew to facilitate the development of family commitment and love for each other in each of her children. Perhaps the most significant aspect of Minnie’s parenting is the fact that each of her children thought they were her favorite. She taught by example, and she utilized her love to embrace all who came in contact with her. She touched the lives and made an indelible impression upon the legions of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends and others and encouraged them to run life’s race with integrity, honor and lofty aspirations. Her love of family was exemplary, and her commitment is worth of emulation. He transition from earthly life into eternal peace will leave a void for all who knew her. She left a good testimony pointing to the reality of her faith in Jesus Christ, which gave her a triumphant passage through death. She transitioned in faith, just as she lived in faith. She is deeply missed, but our hearts rejoice and are comforted knowing she is with her Lord and Savior. Preceding her in transition is her husband, Pastor Oran A. Lilly, Sr., daughter, Alma V. Irving, grandsons Hurbbie S. Irving, and John Troy Irving, sisters Rose Taylor, and Louise Smith, brother John Eddie Lewis. She leaves her love and memories to four sons, Oran A. Lilly, Jr., Hempstead, TX; Rev. Edward Lilly (Annette) Booth Wyn, PA; Rev. Kenneth Lilly, Houston, TX; Chester Lilly (Pam) Houston, TX; five daughters, Rosa J. Lilly Grant, Okmulgee, OK, Doris Lilly Thomas, League City, TX, Brenelsa Lilly Tiburcio, Hempstead, TX; Korotha Lilly Lambright (Leroy), Anaheim, CA; Wanda Lilly Weathersby (Ric), Aurora, CO., sons-in- law, John Irving, and George Thomas both of Hempstead, TX; sisters Johnnie B. Pendleton, Dallas, TX and Ora Lee Jackson, Houston, TX; Brother and sister-in-law Arthur C. and Hazel Lilly, Houston,TX. The family has been cared for by Singleton and Sons Funeral Home. Interment at Houston Cemetery, Hempstead.

Mrs Minnie A. Lilly

August 24, 1923 - January 1, 2011