Jan. 30, 1939 — Jan. 8, 2018

Lillie Mae Gilliam, 78, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Monday evening, Jan. 8, 2018, in the comfort of her family’s presence in Lakeland Health Center in Niles.

She was born Jan. 30, 1939, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, the eldest of three children born to Anderson and Louisa (Neal) Lee. Lillie married Leon Gilliam March 8, 1959, in Cassopolis. After more than 52 years of marriage, he preceded her in death in 2011. She was also preceded by a great grandson, Alphonzo Lee, Jr.; and one brother, Anderson Lee III.

Throughout the years, Lillie took care of people, including taking them into her home. She enjoyed cooking and bingo but hated snakes. Even with her open heart and open home, her family remembers she was lovable, even though she could occasionally be feisty and ornery. Lillie loved to dance and always wanted to know where the party was.

Lillie will be greatly missed by family and friends. She leaves to mourn her passing and continue her legacy eight children; Natalie Davis of Grand Rapids, Richard (Milana Bass) Lee of Edwardsburg, Sonya Dungey of Cassopolis, Leon (Jennifer) Gilliam of Edwardsburg, Robert (Peggy Burmeister) Gilliam of Cassopolis, Teresa (Ricky Evans) Gilliam of Cassopolis, Tanya (John) McKnight of Cassopolis, Clifton (Heather) Hawkins of Cassopolis; 25 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; one sister, Jane (Leddrew) Smith of Cassopolis; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather from noon until a time of service at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12,   in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis.

Mrs. Gilliam will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Leon, in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis.

The family wishes to thank her granddaughter and husband, Breana and Sean Bowsher, as well as West Woods of Niles, especially the nurses and CNAs of Apple Grove Unit, for the excellent care that they gave to Lillie.

The family prefers contributions in Lillie’s memory be made either to the family, or, to West Woods of Niles, 1211 Stateline Road, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.