His Story In the wee hours of Sunday morning, March 14, 2021, the Lord summoned his faithful son, Thomas J. Lilly, to his eternal resting place. Thomas went into a deep slumber and peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loving children. The story of Thomas “Jim” Lilly’s life began on June 2, 1922 in Lester, Arkansas. He was the tenth of eleven children and youngest son born to Tony & Nellie (Pratt) Lilly. Raised in an era that prioritized manual labor and providing for the home, Thomas’s formal education was shortlived, yet he was able to discover his acumen for sports, especially track & field (high jump) and baseball. He would often tell the story of being told by his father not to participate in a particular track meet, yet he went anyway. Thomas, typically a very competitive high jumper, became so worried about what awaited him he got back home, he performed terribly. At the tender age of 19, Thomas enlisted in the United States Army during World War II in 1942. During his tours of duty, he defended the interests of the U.S. in various foreign countries, including Italy and Africa. Returning by furlough to the United States, he was offered an honorable discharge in August of 1945, as the War came to an end in September of that year. After returning to Arkansas to spend time with his parents, he set out to relocate to Detroit, passing through Peoria, Illinois just to visit siblings. During his intended brief stopover, he grew fond of the energetic Fannie Marie Young. The couple was united in holy matrimony on
...almost a Century of Life, Love and Laughs
March 7, 1952 and remained affectionately committed to one another for thirty-eight years until her death. After settling in Peoria and finding employment at Barrett Paper Mill, later to become Celitex, he raised his family. Thomas and his brother, Raymond, started a successful hauling and moving business which served the greater Peoria community for many years. They often employed neighborhood boys as apprentices, which not only gave them pocket change, it instilled the work ethic to assist them in future endeavors. Thomas spent his life in the Peoria neighborhood fondly referred to as “The Heights”. For over 70 years, he remained a pillar in the community, a respected gentleman, and a father figure to many. Brother Lilly’s love of the Lord was expressed through his humble life of service. He was a dedicated, faithful member of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church for over 65 years. He served in whatever capacity was needed including: Layman, Trustee, Steward Pro-Tem, Class Leader, Willing Workers, Gospel Chorus, Men’s Group of Ward, and even accompanied ministers to serve Communion to the sick and shut-in. He championed the Saturday breakfast outreach program, which had a mission of reaching and mentoring less fortunate men. He loved his church and attended as often as possible, even during his later years. You could find Brother Lilly on the same pew every Sunday praising God. Thomas, fondly referred to as Uncle Jim or Mister Jim, was loved by all. His consistent, upright character, kind words of wisdom and funny stories were shared with all he came in contact with.
Thomas was a man of many interests, including gardening. His green thumb produced tasty fruits and vegetables and eye-catching trees and flowers. He was also an avid hunter. Thomas started bowling in leagues at the ripe age of 69. Quickly growing from a beginner, he often scored 200-pin games. He was always the shining star in the United Usher Board bowl-a-thon. Ever the sports enthusiast, he enjoyed supporting the Chicago Cubs, his favorite team. During the 2016 World Series championship game, his children attempted to join him in supporting the Cubs. His response was, “We don’t need any more fans!” He was fiercely loyal to the Cubs, with no comprise, even though his children attempted every year to convert him into a Cardinals fan. His favorite mantra was “Do the Best You Can”, which he exhibited each and every day. There was no quit in this man! In his seventies, he learned to email and use computer applications; in his eighties he attended the inauguration of the first Black U.S. President, and even in his nineties he took classes to complete his G.E.D. At the age of 75, his children began hosting large birthday parties to honor him. For over twenty years, these loved-filled experiences included several hundreds of attendees over several states. As his health mandated more family attention, his youngest son, Timothy, provided devoted in-home care. In their individual and compassionate ways, each of his children saw to his loving care until he breathed his last breath.
“Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service… You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” — M ARTIN LUTHER KI NG J R .
This is Thomas “Jim” Lilly: the legend, the man we honor, love, and respect!
Thomas was indeed a family man. He was preceded in death by his wife, Fannie Lilly, and three sons: Jerome David Lilly, Sr., Thomas Lilly, Jr. and Fred Lilly. This transition symbolizes the reuniting of parents, Tony and Nellie along with brothers and sisters, Isaac, Reverend Robert, Fred, Mayfield, Ophelia, Rodell, Raymond, Lula, Margaret and Almedia. The celebration closes that chapter. His legacy will continue to flourish through the lives of his four children: Pamela E. Lilly of Fort Washington, MD, Cheryl R. (Pastor Joseph) Anthony III of Belleville, IL, Bonita G. Lilly of Washington, D.C., and Timothy Paul Lilly, Sr. of Peoria, IL; 16 grandchildren: Joslyn (Adam) Sandifer of Fairview Heights, IL, Pastor Joseph A. (Talisha) Anthony IV of Dallas, TX, Jennene (Sean) Smith of Schereville IN; Dr. Joya (Oliver) Keys, Jr. of Shioh, IL, Xynique Lilly of Las Vegas, NV, Janell Anthony Bellville IL; Lydia Lilly and Lucille (Samaro) Roberts both of Atlanta, GA, Ramon Pastoriza, Sr. of St. Louis, MO, Christine Lilly of Los Angeles, CA, Makauia Lilly, MaKayla Scruggs-Lilly and Timothy Paul Lilly, Jr., of Phoenix, AZ, Jerome David Lilly, II, Elton Mackey II, and Lauren Thomas of Peoria, IL; daughterin- law, Kimberly Lilly, of Centralia, IL; and sister-in-law, Araminta Young of Northfield, NJ. Thomas was also the proud great-grandfather of 17 and greatgreat grandfather of 2. Also, he was loved and respected by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special heartfelt thanks is also extended to Victor Lilly, Sandra “Kay” Boone, Sharon Jordan and Floyd McGhee for the love and care they exhibited to Dad during his lifetime.
Psalm 23 The
rd
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
The Order of
Celebration Pastor Adrian Johnson, Officiant
The Processional..........................................................................................Ministers & Family The Invocation........................................................................................ Pastor Adrian Johnson Old Testament Scripture Reading............................................. Reverend Dr. Maxine Wortham New Testament Scripture Reading................................................... Reverend Kimberly Hayes Musical Tribute................................................................................Pamela E. Lilly (Daughter) Acknowledgements & Condolences.......................................................... Sister Cecilia Jordan
Reflections & Words of Encouragement Reverend Arthur S. Williams, Sr. • Representing the Pulpit Reverend Larry Williams • Representing The Heights Sister Cheryl Lilly-Anthony • Representing the Family Musical Selection..................................................... Joe Williams & Reverend Harry Williams The Prayer of Comfort.......................................................................Pastor Joseph Anthony III Present Day Kingdom Ministries (East St. Louis, IL)
The Eulogy.........................................................................................Pastor Joseph Anthony IV The Potter’s House of North Dallas (Frisco, TX)
The Recessional
PreciousMemories
Acknowledgement
OF APPRECIATION The family of Brother Thomas Lilly would like to thank each of you for your presence and support. The Lilly Family also acknowledges, with heartfelt appreciation, all the comforting messages, prayers, floral tribute, financial contributions and expressions of love and kindness.
May God Bless You. I N T E R M E N T
Lutheran Cemetery
914 S Pleasant Street • Peoria, Illinois 61604
A C T I V E Xynique Lilly Isaiah Boone Carl Washington
PA L L B E A R E R S Marcus Furness Pierre McGhee Montaigne White
H O N O R A R Y Victor Lilly Floyd McGhee
Jerome David Lilly II James McCoy
PA L L B E A R E R S
Chris Thompson Brandon White Cortez Blake ARRANGMENTS ENTRUSTED TO
Simons Mortuary • SimonsMortuary.com
Jimmy Faggett Loys Parker, Jr.