Official Obituary of
Lillie Mary Bilberry
July 25, 1930 ~ June 29, 2017 (age 86) 86 Years Old
Lillie Bilberry Obituary
Lillie Mary Smith-Bilberry was born to Corean Grant and Frank Smith on July 25, 1930 in Wilmot, Arkansas. She was the seventh child of their union. Lillie was educated in the Wilmot-Pine Bluff school systems. It was at Merill High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas at the tender age of 16 where she met Charley Bilberry, the love of her life. They united in holy matrimony on May 31, 1949. To this union, three children were born. Pamela, Preston, and Deborah.
Lillie accepted Christ at an early age. She joined Cherry Street Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In 1949, Lillie and Charley joined the Bilberry family as members of Canaan Baptist Church in Flint, MI. In 1965, Lillie and Charley along with their children, Pamela, Preston, and Deborah, were confirmed members of St. Clement Episcopal Church in Inkster, MI. As an Episcopal Church Woman, Lillie served as Member and President of Episcopal Church Women (E.C.W.), Saint Cecelia Choir, Evangelism Commission and Hospitality Committee and St. Clement Vestry.
Lillie was active in many social and civic organizations. She was a Charter member and two term President of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Michigan Metro Chapter. She was on the Board of Directors for Inkster YWCA, member of NAACP, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Garden Club of Annapolis Park, and Parents Teachers Association (PTA). She also was a volunteer with the March of Dimes, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Girl Scouts of America and the American Cancer Society. She was a member of Les' Finesse Bridge Club, 2 +2 couples club, Del Nations Couples Club, Red Hatters Club and Quettes (Wives of Omega Psi Phi). Lillie received an honor for Outstanding Christian Stewardship as an "Outstanding Woman in Christ".
Lillie traveled extensively with family and friends. She enjoyed 10 cruises, many vacations, family reunions, with ownership of two timeshares in Hawaii and Mexico.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 68 years Charley. Her three children Pamela (Webster) West, Preston (Christine) Bilberry and Deborah (Ray) Dixie. Three granddaughters Robyn (Obinna) Asika, Rosalyn (Donnie) Smith and Corinne Bilberry-West. Three Great-Grandsons Jordan Thompson, Gabriel and Jacob Asika. Brother Jasper Lee Smith, Sister in law Jessie Amos and Daughter in law Lois Bilberry. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, step-grands and three of her closet friends Mary Fowler, Lois Payne, and Dorothy Garrett. Previous Events Family Hour JUL 11. 11:00 AM (ET) St. Clements Episcopal Church 4300 Harrison Inkster, MI Loading map Celebration of Life JUL 11. 12:00 PM (ET) St. Clements Episcopal Church 4300 S. Harrison Ed. Inkster, MI Loading map
Lillie accepted Christ at an early age. She joined Cherry Street Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In 1949, Lillie and Charley joined the Bilberry family as members of Canaan Baptist Church in Flint, MI. In 1965, Lillie and Charley along with their children, Pamela, Preston, and Deborah, were confirmed members of St. Clement Episcopal Church in Inkster, MI. As an Episcopal Church Woman, Lillie served as Member and President of Episcopal Church Women (E.C.W.), Saint Cecelia Choir, Evangelism Commission and Hospitality Committee and St. Clement Vestry.
Lillie was active in many social and civic organizations. She was a Charter member and two term President of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Michigan Metro Chapter. She was on the Board of Directors for Inkster YWCA, member of NAACP, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Garden Club of Annapolis Park, and Parents Teachers Association (PTA). She also was a volunteer with the March of Dimes, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Girl Scouts of America and the American Cancer Society. She was a member of Les' Finesse Bridge Club, 2 +2 couples club, Del Nations Couples Club, Red Hatters Club and Quettes (Wives of Omega Psi Phi). Lillie received an honor for Outstanding Christian Stewardship as an "Outstanding Woman in Christ".
Lillie traveled extensively with family and friends. She enjoyed 10 cruises, many vacations, family reunions, with ownership of two timeshares in Hawaii and Mexico.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of 68 years Charley. Her three children Pamela (Webster) West, Preston (Christine) Bilberry and Deborah (Ray) Dixie. Three granddaughters Robyn (Obinna) Asika, Rosalyn (Donnie) Smith and Corinne Bilberry-West. Three Great-Grandsons Jordan Thompson, Gabriel and Jacob Asika. Brother Jasper Lee Smith, Sister in law Jessie Amos and Daughter in law Lois Bilberry. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, step-grands and three of her closet friends Mary Fowler, Lois Payne, and Dorothy Garrett. Previous Events Family Hour JUL 11. 11:00 AM (ET) St. Clements Episcopal Church 4300 Harrison Inkster, MI Loading map Celebration of Life JUL 11. 12:00 PM (ET) St. Clements Episcopal Church 4300 S. Harrison Ed. Inkster, MI Loading map
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