Dorothy Lilly

Mother Dorothy Mae Dottie Tucker Lilly, entered into eternal peace at the graceful age of 80 on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at her home in Abilene. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 20th at the Faith Deliverance Community Church. Interment will follow in the Garden of Remembrance at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation for family and friends is from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South.

Mother Lily was born on August 23, 1933 the second daughter of the late Elton and Sally Tucker. Her education was received through the New York City public school system. In the neighborhood of the Bronx, New York, where she raised her oldest children, she was Aunt Dot to everyone, and she provided child care for a host of mothers in the neighborhood, back when it was called babysitting. She enjoyed taking her children on many family outings throughout the state of New York and New Jersey, where everyone enjoyed those sun melted ham and cheese sandwiches prepared ahead of time for the trip. Her doors were always open, everyone was welcome without exclusion. She would often cook for the neighborhood even selling her barbeque ribs, chicken sandwiches, and jumbo onion burgers. Her Sunday dinners were the best. Mother was an outstanding citizen in her community and was presented the key to the neighborhood by Mayor Lindsay. She was not only Aunt Dot to many but she was also mommy, mom, ma, and mother. Mothers spiritual background began under the direction of Bishop William Robertson, and under watch care of Reverend Duncan. She sang in the Garden of Prayer Cathedral Choir she loved singing gospel songs at home with her children and teaching them piano, even how to play the Boogie Woogie. Those were the days to remember. Mother enjoyed knitting and crocheting, making beautiful hats and scarves for cold winters. In her early days while her children were small she owned two homes. She lived in one and the second was income property. In her later years she helped out in many different ways, such as in her church day care. She was a member of Faith Deliverance Community Church of Abilene for over 25 years. Her favorite pot luck meal for everyone was her famous chili. She really missed going to church. Her pastor was like a son to her, and he respected her and loved her like a mom as well. She would always say As soon as I can walk Im going back to church because God gave me a message to share and she was going to preach. She always had her notes of things God gave her to share she believed one day she would get her chance to share it with everyone. She may have not gotten the chance to share with the whole congregation but she would share with everyone that crossed her pathway. She always said I know its God keeping me I know if it had not been for Him I wouldnt still be here, I know, I know its God. Mother was a very kind, generous soul she had a loving and gentle heart, and was always giving of herself to others.

She leaves behind a legacy her husband of 28 years, Robert G. Lilly her seven biological daughters starting with her second daughter Robin, her devoted caregiver since 2005 to her transition into glory. eldest daughter, Victoria, Crystal, Renee, Dorothy and sonin law David, Selene, Valerie and soninlaw Derek her three sons Wayne, Douglas, and her youngest John and daughterinlaw Grace her four adopted daughters, Veronica, Theresa, Zena, and Stacey step children, Robert, Conrad, Datanya and ninety three grand, great, and greatgreat grandchildren. Pastor Jerry and wife Oretha Jordan, as well as many more refer to her as mom.

She leaves memories to be cherished by her eldest sisters, Lucy Walters, of Bronx, NY, brothers Jackie Tucker, Reginald Roach, James and sisterin law Juanita Tucker, of NY, and a host of nieces, nephews, and elderly cousins, all that knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Elton Tucker, her sisters, Eltona Simmons, and Claudette Belamy, grandson Mark Franklin, and step son, Roman Lilly.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, September 19, 2013
6:00 to 8:00 PM

Service

Memorial Service

Faith Deliverance Community Church
5501 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, September 20, 2013
10:30 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606