Mrs. Lillie Williams

Lillie B. Rhodes was born August 16, 1928 in Isola, MS to Luebirtha and Ambrose Rhodes where they later resided in Alton, IL. She confessed Jesus Christ at an early age and accepted him as her personal savior. She was brought up in the C.O.G.I.C church True House of Prayer, Alton, IL. Her mother Luebirtha (Missionary Mother Taylor) was a strict disciplinarian who insisted that her family be raised in the church. Lillie continued this tradition for her family when she moved to Saginaw, MI in the late 1960’s. She married Joe H. Williams in Alton, IL and they moved to Saginaw, MI where Joe began employment with General Motors to provide for his wife and family, which he faithfully did for the rest of his days. Lillie joined Coleman Temple Church at 2716 Wadsworth in 1970 under the leadership of Pastor Hurley Coleman Sr. and the great Dr. Martha (Ma’am) Coleman. Lillie was president of the Senior Usher Boards for many years in which she faithfully served without complaint. Lillie continued on as her church progressed to World Outreach Campus under the leadership of Pastor Hurley J. Coleman Jr and First Lady Sandra Coleman, whom she loved dearly. They have always supported our family with whatever we needed, and we are forever grateful. Lillie leaves to cherish her memory five children, Dortha (Bridgeport, MI), Shirley (Springfield, IL), Freddie Lee (Saginaw, MI), Rosa (Cecil) Alton, IL. Michael McMillon (IL.). She was preceded by children, James Jennings and Mary R. Poudzunas, grandchildren Michael Patterson, Deedee Jennings and Patrick Jennings, great granddaughter, Kayla Jones, her siblings Willie D. Rhodes, Otha Mae Jefferson, Rosie Everage and Leroy (Verde) Rhodes, a special nephew Elve Everage. Very special friends Annie Woods and Vonice Reed. She is survived by her brother-in-law Lee McMillian (Uncle Tump), sisters in law Willie Bell Rhodes, Dortha Lewis, Viola Joiner (Aunt Toot) and Michelle McKeever (Aunt Nay). She cherished her friends Ora M. Houston Hattie Doxie, Olivia Houston, and Laverne Draine. To forever cherish her memory she leaves 17 grandchildren, including her eldest, Missionary Vicky (Dewayne) Jones, Carla and Dewayne (Latoya) Smith and D’Arcy Patterson. 49 great grandchildren including Porscha (Brian) Smith-Godwin, 12 great-great grandchildren including Keonte Smith Jr., including her love; Crystal (Marvin) Green and Alfred Reed, and a host of nieces and nephews including other spiritual Daughters, Sons, and Grandchildren that she called her own. Special thanks to her great granddaughter Qweesha who was her caregiver and was a huge help to the rest of the family. Lillie was the matriarch of our family and we will forever miss the best cooking on the planet, especially her peach cobbler and banana pudding! Most of all, we will miss her wisdom and unwavering love for her family but we find comfort in knowing that she is walking with God. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016 at World Outreach Campus, 2405 Bay Road. Pastor Hurley J. Coleman, Jr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friend may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Lillie Williams

August 16, 1928 - July 6, 2016